Comparative Study of Several Educational Robotics to Introduce Engineering and Computing Concepts for Middle School and High School Students
Sujing Wang, Stefan Andrei · 2023
This Innovative Practice Full Paper introduces a comparative study of utilizing several popular educational robotics to introduce engineering and computing concepts to middle school and high school students to increase their interests and knowledge in engineering and computing. Using robotics is a great way to introduce engineering and computing concepts in a fun and interactive way. There are several popular educational robotic kits available, e.g., Lego EV3, VEX robotics, SparkFun Inventor's Kit, Raspberry Pi, SeaPerch underwater robotics, etc. All these robotics are great options for creating fun and engaging projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving skills for middle school and high school students. While they all have their unique features and benefits, there are some similarities and differences that can help with choosing the right tool for a specific group of students at different ages and skill levels. The motivation of this study is to provide detailed information and a comparative study of utilizing several popular educational robotics to teach engineering and computing concepts to middle school and high school students for those who are interested in organizing similar programs at their institutions to prompt the effort to increase participation in engineering and computing fields. Studies have proved that by introducing engineering and computing concepts early on, students can develop an interest in these fields and pursue them in the future.