Teaching Robotics at the Primary School: An Innovative Approach

Abstract

Many researchers and teachers agree that the inclusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in early education provides a strong motivation and a great improvement in learning speed. Most curricula in primary schools include a number of concepts that cover science and math, but less effort is applied in teaching problem solving, computer science, technology and robotics. The use of robotic systems and the introduction of Robotics as a curricula subject can bring the possibility of transmit to children the basics of technology and to give them other kind of human and organizational values. This work present a new program introduced in an Italian primary school thanks to the collaboration with National Instrument and Università Politecnica delle Marche. The subject of Robotics becomes part of the Primary school curricula for all the five years of formation. The program has allowed the teachers training and a complete way through which children have demonstrated great learning abilities, not only in mere technology but also in collaboration and teamwork.