Alpha-Robotics: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Teaching Engineering Concepts to K-2 Students
Haruna Hosokawa, Judy Robinson · 2025
Boston Public Schools are piloting an innovative engineering curriculum called Alpha-Robotics.Alpha-Robotics was developed by Judy Robinson, a former Boston teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience.Ms. Robinson's unique background enabled her to develop a pre-engineering curriculum for K-2 students that integrates engineering, science, literacy, math, and 21st Century Skills.By designing Alpha-Robotics to integrate multiple subject areas, the curriculum is proving to be attractive to teachers and administrators who are often pressed with the decision of fitting numerous lessons and activities into the tight school schedule.The Alpha-Robotics curriculum consists of 17 hands-on lessons where students design and build original ideas using LEGOs and other materials while exploring math concepts such as number recognition, circumference and diameter, fractions, measurement, graphing and variables.Science concepts integrated in the curriculum include wheels and axles, friction, data collection and analysis.Reading skills are incorporated using LEGO vocabulary.Students also get an overview of engineering disciplines such as mechanical and civil engineering.In the final lessons, students program their LEGO robot to do simple tasks, getting a glimpse into computer science concepts.Students work in teams throughout the curriculum, fostering their 21st Century Skills.Teachers involved in the pilot have reported improvement in students' communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills.Two Boston schools have adopted the Alpha-Robotics curriculum by having at least 50% of their K-2 teachers trained and teaching the curriculum.Four other Boston schools are offering the curriculum to at least one class.In this paper, we will introduce the Alpha-Robotics curriculum, provide an overview the professional development program for teachers and illustrate how the curriculum ties to Boston and Massachusetts standards.