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Elementary School Student Development of STEM Attitudes and Perceived Learning in a STEM Integrated Robotics Curriculum

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Abstract

Robotics has been advocated as an emerging approach to engaging K-12 students in learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This study examined the impacts of a project-based STEM integrated robotics curriculum on elementary school students’ attitudes toward STEM and perceived learning in an afterschool setting. Three elementary school teachers and 18 fourth to sixth graders participated in an eight-week-long program. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed, and showed students’ attitudes toward math improved significantly at the end of the robotics curriculum. Three specific areas of perceived learning were identified, including STEM content learning and connection, engagement and perseverance, and development and challenge in teamwork. The findings also identified the opportunities and challenges in designing a STEM integrated robotics afterschool curriculum for upper elementary school students. Implications for future research studies and curriculum design are discussed.

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Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 1640228. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Technology, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID, 83725-1747, USA

    Yu-Hui Ching, Dazhi Yang & Youngkyun Baek

  2. Department of Mathematics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

    Sasha Wang

  3. Division of Research and Economic Development, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

    Steve Swanson

  4. Department of Civil Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

    Bhaskar Chittoori

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  1. Yu-Hui Ching
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  2. Dazhi Yang
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Correspondence to Yu-Hui Ching.

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Ching, YH., Yang, D., Wang, S. et al. Elementary School Student Development of STEM Attitudes and Perceived Learning in a STEM Integrated Robotics Curriculum. TechTrends 63, 590–601 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00388-0

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