Students from Innovations STEM Academy in Sparta used the Rumpel Fitness Center pool May 24 to test their underwater sea perch rover.
The test was a practice run in clear water before going to Lake Wazee outside of Sparta.
The rovers were built three years ago; each year, the students improve the robots. Each rover is manned by a team of three students.
Innovations STEM Academy students have been coming to Fort McCoy for several years to partner with the installation to incorporate technology used in real-world jobs that match the curriculum they are studying.
Students have previously visited Regional Training Site-Medical and Medical Simulation Center.
Another year they visited Regional Training Site-Maintenance to learn about how science, technology, engineering, and math lessons apply to the work and training of Soldiers.
The students said they enjoyed their time collaborating, problem solving, and applying real world skills during this activity.
Innovations is a sixth through eighth grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) school that uses real-world problem solving and experiences.
Students receive immediate support and guidance that enhances both academic and social development. The curriculum is designed to be student-centered, which increases technological abilities and leadership skills.
The academy has been part of the Sparta school district for five years.
Community relations events such as this are coordinated through the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office.
Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.
The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services each year since 1984.
Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”