East Quogue Resident Seeks Donations for Science Program Pitch

East Quogue resident Brad Murphee, hoping to eventually develop a year-round science program in East Quogue Elementary School coinciding with the Westhampton Beach robotics team and Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, is seeking donations to get an introductory version off the ground.

This year's East Quogue Elementary School summer science program will be an adaptation of the SeaPerch program, created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003. The program is an underwater robotics program, where students build a remotely operated vehicle, learning science and engineering concepts with a marine-based theme.

"It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical procedures," said Murphee via email. "Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering."

Murphee says a grand total of $2,900 is needed to get the program off the ground, and has raised $800 so far. The funds will go toward the materials and kits from which the students must design and create the remotely operated vehicle.

Beyond this summer, Murphee hopes to present the program to surrounding school districts, which he says will teach students teamwork and connect them to the marine surroundings on the East End.