The educational benefits of the human-powered international submarine races

In response to the recognized need to strengthen and enhance the scientific and technological literacy of students, the human-powered International Submarine Races (ISR) have been organized and held biennially since 1989. The ISR is an engineering design competition open to high school and college students as well as individuals. The principal focus of ISR programs is on the engineering principles and technology underlying the design and operation of underwater vehicles. This paper will address how the ISR provides a stimulus for engineering education and attracts favorable public and academic attention to marine technology and ocean engineering.