A Case Study of Learning With Physical Computing and Robotics in a Middle-Grade Math Class

• In Event: Computational Thinking and Cognition

Abstract

This mixed-method case study was conducted in a Grade 7 math class at a local public school with great diversity. Students participated in twelve physical computing and robotics (PCR) practice sessions and five paired or small-group project sessions to learn the coding with a mini-controller called Micro:bit. Our study showed an improvement in students’ conditional reasoning skills as well as their self-efficacy in STEM learning. All students unanimously agreed that they enjoyed the PCR sessions, and most would like to advance their computer science and engineering study. We did not find a significant correlation between students’ conditional reasoning skills and PCR-integrated math knowledge.

Authors

• Shenghua Zha, University of South Alabama

• Joel Lewis-Billingsly, University of South Alabama

• Diana M. Nelson, Mobile County Public School Systems

• Christopher Parrish, University of South Alabama

• Erin Bosarge, University of South Alabama

• Jessica McCarty, University of South Alabama