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STUDENTS
TEACHERS
MENTORS
JUDGES
SPECIAL FORCES
SPONSORS
Who can participate?
Any group of high school aged students with an interest in STEM can participate. This includes in-class and after school groups, cyber school and home schooled students, scouts and clubs. Each team needs an educator or adult advisor, and an industry or university engineering mentor is recommended. The SeAL Challenge was created with high school aged students in mind, but this program has also been successfully implemented for junior high/middle school students and college freshmen.
When can I begin?
The season typically starts in January followed by a Challenge Day held in April or May, depending on your Challenge event location. Alternatively, your region may choose to host a fall semester or summer program.
How much time is required as a student?
This will be up to your teacher and mentor as to how they will implement the program for your school or organization, as well as the design you choose to solve the Challenge of your choice. Typically, you will begin in January and will work about two to three hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks. Challenge Day is a one day event in April or May, depending on your Challenge event location.
What does it cost?
There is no registration fee; this program is free to all students but the cost for building supplies will be the responsibility of each team through fundraising from local businesses or other sources. The maximum amount that can be spent on one robotic system is $600. A sponsorship letter template for fundraising can be found at under Support Docs.
What level of math and science do I need to know to complete the Challenge?
This answer is dependent upon the challenge(s) selected. For the Challenges, it is helpful if at least one team member has a strong algebra and geometry background. A basic knowledge of physics and some programming is helpful but not all students need to be at the same level in math, science and technology. Depending on the challenge(s) you decide to approach, it can be beneficial to structure teams to include various students with a strong interest in math, physics, coding or hands-on building skills. This will make for a well-rounded and successful team! It’s very interesting to see all the different skills required to make the robots work.
How many students on a team?
It is recommended that each team consists of 3 to 10 students with at least one educator and one engineering mentor.
Can schools sign up for more than one challenge?
Yes, you may enter as many teams/challenges as you wish.
Do you have to be associated with a school to participate?
Home schooled teams, community organizations such as scouts, 4-H and clubs, and parent-led teams are welcome.
Can you use parts from last year’s challenge?
Yes, in fact it is highly recommended to build on last year’s system.
How do we assign cost of used parts and supplies?
Use the following guideline when assigning costs to used supplies:
- Vex components/materials – half of purchase price
- exception: VEX EDR V5 and PRO components purchased in past year and not used previously for class/competition are considered new
- MakeBot, Tetrix or other kits/components – half of purchase price
- phones, tablets, computers or televisions – used as screen or camera $50
- phones, tablets or computers – used to control – $100
- GoPro – half of purchase price
- R/C transmitters – half of purchase price
- drones/quadcopters – half of purchase price
- 3-D printing – school defined rate or cost of material if there’s no rate
- building materials – half of purchase price or best estimate using current pricing
- for parts if they are still new in the package – pro rate from full package price
- if they are previously used components, take 50% of original cost
- if they are obsolete find a close match if possible and take 10% of that cost.
- if you purchase used parts for the Challenge (such as on eBay), use the purchase price.
On what type of surface will the land robot run during the Challenge?
The land course surface could be any of the following: asphalt, wood, concrete, vinyl flooring, commercial tile or commercial carpet.
How do we assign a cost to a smart phone/tablet as part of our budget?
If you are using a smart phone or tablet as a monitor for a camera, then assign a cost of $50. If you are using the smart phone or tablet as a controller, you should assign a cost of $100. If you are using it as both, assign $100.
Has any standard been set for cost of 3d printing parts?
Yes, a standard shop rate of $1.35 per ounce.
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling or email to Sea Air Land Group
When can my students begin and who can participate?
The season typically starts in January followed by a Challenge Day event held in April and May. Any high school student can participate and must have at least one adult educator and mentor.
How can I register a team for the Challenge?
Go to: Sea, Air and Land Challenge Registration
How time consuming is this program for a teacher?
This will be up to you as the educator as to how you want to run the program. Typically, you will begin in January and will work about two hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks. Challenge Day is a one day event in April or May, depending on your Challenge event location. Designing a circuit or writing programs takes time, this will be a continuing effort from year to year. There will always be something to improve upon or a new idea to implement.
What does it cost?
There is no registration fee, this program is free to all students. However, each team is responsible for securing money for their system and $500 is the maximum amount students can spend. Showing how to cost effectively build the devices, goes towards scoring….students are told to spend wisely and efficiently. Funding can come from local businesses in your area and should be researched and contacted by your teams. A template for a sponsorship letter can be found under Support Docs.
What level of math and science do my students need to know to complete the Challenge?
This answer is dependent upon the challenge(s) selected. For the air challenge, it is helpful if at least one team member has a strong algebra and geometry background. For sea and land challenges, a basic knowledge of algebra, physics and some coding is helpful but not all students need to be at the same level in math and science. Depending on the challenge(s) your students decide to approach, it can be beneficial to structure teams to include a strong math student, a skilled physics student and a student with hands-on building skills. This will make for a well-rounded and successful team! It’s very interesting to see all the different skills required to make the robots work.
How many students on a team?
It is recommended that each team consists of 3 to 10 high school students with at least one educator and one industry mentor.
Does each team need a different teacher and mentor, or can teams share?
One educator and one engineering mentor is needed for the school to oversee ALL of your teams. Teams can share their teacher(s) and mentor(s).
Can schools sign up for more than one challenge?
Yes, schools or organizations may enter as many teams/challenges as you wish but each team will pick one Challenge, either sea, air or land.
What if I have a student who is not a US citizen, can he/she still participate?
Yes, you do not have to be a US citizen to participate.
Do you have to be associated with a school to participate?
No you do not. Home schooled teams, community organizations such as scouts, 4-H and clubs, and parent-led teams are welcome.
Can we use parts from last year’s challenge?
Yes, in fact it is highly recommended to build on last year’s system.
What school supplies can be used outside of the $600 limit? For example, screws, PVC pipe, wood scraps we already have in the classroom, are these to be accounted for in the $600 budget?
Used supplies can be part of the robotic system but teams must inventory everything and research online estimated cost value for the used parts in order to level the playing field with teams that may have to purchase everything. For example, a 10 ft. section of 1 inch PVC costs $5, if you use 5 ft. then you need to list $2.50 on your Bill of Materials/Costs.
I’m not an engineer, how will I be able to understand the engineering guidelines?
This program is spelled out for you in a step by step “Survival Guide” found in the Support Docs section of the website. You will also work closely with an engineering mentor from industry or academia who will help guide you and the students through the engineering process.
How is Sea, Air and Land Challenge different from other robotic competitions?
Sea, Air and Land Challenge is different from other STEM base programs because it focuses on challenges that are relevant to problems encountered by the military and first responders and gives the students a chance to solve these problems using engineering methods. We provide insight into tremendous technical careers available in the Department of Defense and Armed Forces, plus, we don’t know of any other STEM activities where the students get to interact with Navy SEALS and other special operation forces. In addition, other benefits of the SeAL Challenge to consider are:
- The SeAL Challenge is not solely a robotics competition but an introduction to engineering. Students learn about engineering, technology and careers, and get a chance to improve their soft-skills such as communication, leadership, confidence and teaming!
- Lower cost means more students can be fully involved and hands-on. Plus no overnight stays are required for teams in most cases.
- “Open sourced” means more creativity and innovation. Teams can also use parts that are already on hand, saving out-of-pocket expenses.
- Educators never go it alone – support from PSU ARL, regional coordinators, engineering mentors, the military, and the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics).
- Regional Coordinators may refine the Challenge to meet the needs of the schools and clubs in their region.
- Independent of how a team places on Challenge Day, all students are winners as they take on new challenges and grow. Feedback on this fun program has been terrific!
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling or email to Sea Air Land Group.
What experience or background do I need to be a mentor?
You only need to want to work with students. You do not have to be an engineer but knowledge of the engineering process is helpful.
When can my students begin and who can participate?
The season typically starts in January followed by a Challenge Day held in April or May, depending on the Challenge event location in your area. Any high school student can participate and must have at least one adult educator and at least one engineering mentor.
How time consuming is this program for an engineering mentor?
This will be up to you and the educator as to how to run the program. Typically, a team will begin design in January and will work about two to three hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks. Mentoring a team can be once a week or once a month, depending on your schedule; typically mentors spend 4-10 hours over the course of the semester. Challenge Day is a one day event in early May and it is optional for you to attend. Video-conferencing, emails and phone calls are easy ways to communicate with the students if you are unable to attend the classroom sessions.
What level of math and science do I need to know to complete the Challenge?
This answer is dependent upon the challenge(s) selected. For the air challenge, it is helpful if at least one team member has a strong algebra and geometry background. For sea and land challenges, a basic knowledge of matrix algebra, physics and some coding is helpful but not all students need to be at the same level in math and science. Depending on the challenge(s) your students decide to approach, it can be beneficial to structure teams to include a strong math student, a skilled physics student and a tech student. This will make for a well-rounded and successful team! It’s very interesting to see all the different skills required to make the robots work.
How many students on a team?
It is recommended that each team consist of 3 to 10 high school students with at least one educator and one industry mentor.
Can schools sign up for more than one challenge?
Yes, schools/organizations may enter as many challenges as desired.
Do you have to be associated with a school to participate?
Home schooled teams, community organizations such as scouts, 4-H and clubs, and parent-led teams are welcome.
Can we use parts from last year’s challenge?
Yes, in fact it is highly recommended to build on last year’s system.
I’m not a teacher, how will I be able to mentor a class of high school students?
Let the teacher teach, you review and guide. Never give answers but probe questions to make the students think, act and learn. Failing forward is part of success, you will watch them make many mistakes – leading to many lessons.
How is Sea, Air and Land Challenge different from other robotic competitions?
Sea, Air and Land Challenge is different from other STEM base programs because it focuses on challenges that are relevant to problems encountered by the military and first responders and gives the students a chance to solve these problems. We provide insight into tremendous technical careers available in the Department of Defense and Armed Forces. Plus, we don’t know of any other STEM activities where the students get to interact with Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operation forces.
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling or email to Sea Air Land Group.
What experience or background do I need to be a Judge?
You only need to want to work with students and have an appreciation for technology, programming or engineering. You do not need to be an engineer.
How much time is needed to be a Judge?
This is a one day event and as such, your time as a Judge is only needed for Challenge Day, which is held in April or May. A training manual is provided for your review prior to Challenge Day.
How is Sea, Air and Land Challenge different from other robotic competitions?
Sea, Air and Land Challenge is different from other STEM base programs because it focuses on challenges that are relevant to problems encountered by the military and first responders and gives the students a chance to solve these problems. We provide insight into tremendous technical careers available in the Department of Defense and Armed Forces. Plus, we don’t know of any other STEM activities where the students get to interact with Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operation forces.
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling or email seaairland@arl.psu.edu.
I’m a retired military, how can I get involved?
Contact headquarters at Sea Air Land Group. You can mentor a team, sponsor a team, volunteer at a local Challenge or serve as a guest speaker.
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling (724) 295-7000 or email to Sea Air Land Group.
How is Sea, Air and Land Challenge different from other robotic competitions?
Sea, Air and Land Challenge is different from other STEM base programs because it focuses on challenges that are relevant to problems encountered by the military and first responders and gives the students a chance to solve these problems. We provide insight into tremendous technical careers available in the Department of Defense and Armed Forces. Plus, we don’t know of any other STEM activities where the students get to interact with Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operation forces.
How is Sea, Air and Land Challenge different from other robotic competitions?
Sea, Air and Land Challenge is different from other STEM base programs because it focuses on challenges that are relevant to problems encountered by the military and first responders and gives the students a chance to solve these problems. We provide insight into tremendous technical careers available in the Department of Defense and Armed Forces. Plus, we don’t know of any other STEM activities where the students get to interact with Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operation forces.
Where do I send my payment / donation?
DONATE BY MAIL
You may mail your check made payable to The Pennsylvania State University, to:
The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory
222 Northpointe Boulevard
Freeport, PA 16229
(724)295-7000 / Sea Air Land Group
Attention: Sea, Air, and Land Challenge
What levels of Sponsorship do you offer?
Open Sponsorship – $_________
- Company name in Challenge Day Program
Bronze Regional Sponsorship $ 100
- Company name in regional Challenge Day Program
- Recognition on the SeAL Challenge website (please provide logo and short company description, if desired)
Silver Regional Sponsorship – $300
- Benefits of Bronze Sponsorship – Plus….
- Recognition as a Lunch or Award Sponsor Challenge Day for your chosen region
Gold Regional Sponsorship – $650
- Benefits of Silver Sponsorship – Plus…..
- Announcement and description of Sponsor at Challenge Day for your chosen region
- Invitation to Challenge Day (April/May 2025)
Platinum State-wide Sponsorship – $1000
- Benefits of Gold Sponsorship – Plus….
- Company logo on Sponsorship Banner (receipt requested before March 1st)
- Website linkage and increased presence on the Sea Air and Land Challenge website
Premier National Sponsorship – $5,000
- Benefits of Platinum Sponsorship – Plus…..
- Recognition Plaque
- The opportunity to present and include literature at a Challenge Day event
SeAL Challenge Consortium Member – $10.000 – 20,000
- Benefits of Platinum Sponsorship – Plus…..
- Significant presence on the Sea Air and Land Challenge website
- The opportunity to present and include literature at all Challenge Day events
Where can we find support?
Support can be found at Sea, Air, and Land headquarters by calling (724) 295-7000, or email to Sea Air Land Group.