Stockbridge InvenTeam set to return to American Samoa

by Bob Richards

As part of Joining Hands 2019, Stockbridge High School’s InvenTeam has been invited to return to American Samoa August 14 through 30 to conduct an ROV(remote operating vehicle) workshop for educators in American Samoa.

While there, the SHS InvenTeam will conduct an educator workshop and planning meeting of American Samoa educators, government agencies and employers to develop ideas to: 1) improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education; 2) define and improve educational and career pathways into science, technology and engineering; and 3) infuse entrepreneurship into the curriculum.

According to Stockbridge Jr/Sr High School educator, Bob Richards, “The Stockbridge InvenTeam is uniquely positioned to support the growth of the MATE ROV Competition and ROV education in the Pacific Islands, having travelled to the Republic of Palau and American Samoa six out of the last eight years to conduct research and educational outreach with their underwater vehicles.”

“I had a wonderful first experience in American Samoa, and I am really excited to go back and continue our outreach goals for Joining Hands 2019!” SHS junior Julia Marhofer said. “I’ve stayed in touch with some of the folks from the National Marine Sanctuary, and I  look forward to seeing them again. These relationships are really important. The food in American Samoa is awesome too!”

The 2019 program follows up on the success of Joining Hands 2018. In it, the Stockbridge High School team will join with the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center at Monterey Peninsula College in partnership with MATE Inspiration for Innovation, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), American Samoa Department of Education (DOE), American Samoa Community College (ASCC).

The team’s objectives include running a five-day PufferFish ROV Workshop for 24 faculty from American Samoa high schools and ASCC, visiting high schools to understand the level of resources available and needed to support robotics activities, visiting faculty and administrators at America Samoa Community College to discuss how a MATE robotics program can lead to pathways into science, technology and engineering, hosting a meeting with American Samoa government agencies and employers to assess the level of interest and support for underwater robotics, and assessing the potential for collaboration among various institutions.

“I am flattered and beyond excited to be able to go back to American Samoa and be a part of joining hands 2019! It is a great opportunity to help teachers in American Samoa further their knowledge of ROVs and STEM, and to check in with the participants of Joining Hands 2018. I can’t wait to meet up with my group from last time and see all the progress they’ve made on their ROV,” SHS senior Sylvia Whitt said.

Bob Richards addresses teachers and students in American Samoa.

Bob Richards meets with teachers in American Samoa

Baylee Heidrich works with students in American Samoa

Julia Marhofer working with student in American Samoa

Sylvia Whitt works with students in American Samoa

Mr. Richards meeting with teachers in American Samoa

Julia Marhofer, Sylvia Whitt, Baylee Heidrich, and Bob Richards

Mr. Richards meeting with teachers in American Samoa

American Samoa Welcome the Stockbridge Inventeams