Examining STEM Changes in a Middle School Robotics Learning Environment: Attitudes Before and After the Experience

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-4 - Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this evaluation program is to examine the changes in middle school student attitudes towards science, mathematics, technology and engineering, 21st century skills, computer programming, and problem-solving after having participated in a robotics program in a formal school setting. This is a first year evaluation cycle for a robotics program adopted in a school district in the southeastern United States. Four middle schools were involved in the program. In total, 151 middle school students completed both the pre-survey and post-survey. Results show a significant and positive change in student attitudes towards 21st century skills. A full discussion will be provided in the full paper.

Authors

• Christina Gardner-McCune, University of Florida

• Wenjing Luo, University of Florida

• Albert Dieter Ritzhaupt, University of Florida