Robofest carnival — STEM learning through robotics with parents

Abstract

It has been widely known that introducing robotics in formal and informal learning environments improves STEM learning as well as problem solving skills. An underutilized resource in this process of teaching STEM is parents. Robofest Carnival is an informal learning program with multiple interactive challenge learning stations where students are challenged to complete robotics tasks. A new approach for the Carnival was explored. Instead of technical staff, parents of participants were trained to manage the challenge learning stations. Ongoing research shows that the Carnival program increased the students' knowledge of STEM subjects. In addition, it dramatically increased STEM confidence level of parents who took training and assisted the Carnival learning stations. We believe the Carnival model is a practical and effective informal robotics learning environment to improve student achievement in STEM and increase parents' confidence in their children's education.