School Robotics Initiative - An Outreach Initiative to Prepare Teachers and Inspire Students to Choose a Career in Engineering and Science
Mariappan Jawaharlal, Cesar Larriva, Jill E. Nemiro · 2025
Declining enrollment in science, engineering and technology at college level is a serious problem facing this nation.Experience indicates choosing engineering as a career is made as early as in middle school.Students behind in math and lacking interest in science and technology at elementary and middle school level perform poorly in high school and are unlikely to choose careers in engineering and science.Even if they do choose engineering in college, their lack of high school preparation puts them in remedial programs thus placing them several years behind.Through a private foundation grant, Cal Poly Pomona has developed an engaging, problembased robotics program for K-12 students.The objective of the School Robotics Initiative is to reach the students early on at elementary and middle school level and inspire them through engagement in authentic problem-based activity.In addition, to ensure the long term sustainability of this program, K-12 teachers will be trained and supported so that they can continue to conduct the program independently.The field of Robotics is chosen as the platform to launch this program because Robotics is increasingly being considered as the Fourth essential R (after the 3 Rs, Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic).Robotics is a truly multi-disciplinary field which combines mechanical, electrical, electronics engineering and computer science.Even though robots are very complex machines and building robots require multidisciplinary skills, current technology makes it possible for everyone to build, program, and control their own robots.Experience indicates that learners who are immersed in the activity, acquire important skills in math and science without realizing that they are intensively engaged in the learning process. Building robots:• Makes learning fun, engaging, and inspiring • Provides highly practical hands-on experience • Gives a head-start in preparing for high school and college.• Develops critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies • Enables learner to develop and express creativity • Develops the ability to work collaboratively in teams • Helps to excel in math and science and choose a career in science and technology • Enables learner to appreciate and realize technology A grade-appropriate robotics program for elementary for 4 th and 5 th grade and middle school students has been developed and the pilot program is being conducted in two elementary schools.This paper will present various aspects of this outreach program including the design, methodology, weekly projects and learning experience.