Science, Math and Robots After School: Programming for the 21st Century
The long range goal of this project is to increase the understanding of effective instructional practices to improve math and science literacy of elementary school students. The project will develop a model of how robotics can be integrated into after-school education in support of academic achievement. Educators, parents, and policy makers are increasingly looking to non-school supports to enhance and promote learning and development, recognizing the limitations of in-school programs and reforms. This intervention (a collaboration between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Academy, and the Nebraska 4-H after school program) will provide third and fourth graders with appealing applications of math and science concepts, promote their interest in science and math, introduce basic technology skills, build problem-solving and inquiry skills and encourage teamwork - all leading to an increase in math and science achievement. The intervention, designed to foster student exploration and experimentation, is based on the premise of problem-based learning.
The specific aims of the project are to (a) develop a 20-lesson robotics instructional intervention for third and fourth grade students and after-school teachers; (b) evaluate, via a randomized trial, the impact of the robotics intervention on students' math and science learning attitudes; and (c) assess the impact of the robotics intervention on math and science achievement and attitudes of at-risk and under-served populations.
For additional information on this investigation, please contact:
Project Key Investigators: Brad Barker (PI), Gwen Nugent (Co-PI)
