Alaska students are training to be future marine scientists and underwater explorers through innovative science education opportunities provided by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS).

To inspire younger scientists, an NCCOS scientist with the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory hosted an 'Underwater Robot Olympics' for 6th graders in Homer, Alaska in April 2012. NCCOS and Alaska Department of Fish and Game scientists spoke to the McNeil Elementary School students about remotely operated vehicle (ROV) design and uses in NOAA coastal science and exploration and state fisheries management.

The students then designed and built their own small ROVs and used them in the local pool to complete several missions that simulated real-world ocean exploration and spill response tasks.