Environmental Awareness in Preschool Education via Educational Robotics and STEAM Education

Abstract

Nowadays there is a strong interest in the educational community and society in innovative technologies and more specifically on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education and robotics. Via STEAM education and educational robotics the learning process and the development of students’ skills can undoubtedly be supported and developed. Additionally, students advance problem-solving and 21 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">st</sup> century skills, like critical thinking, creativity and communication. The main aim of our research is to raise the environmental awareness of kindergarten students who were involved in educational robotics and STEAM education activities. This research study was completed as part of a real process, where our students, aged 4 to 6 years old, participated in eight educational activities focusing on water pollution and utilizing the programmable Blue Bot robot. Our research revealed that young students developed and acquired knowledge of programming and algorithmic thinking in a playful way through the use of the educational robot and managed to develop their cognitive and communication skills.