Earning Daisy Girl Scout Robotics Badges with a Hands-on Soft Robot Gripper Design Activity (Resource Exchange)

Abstract

Abstract Perceptions of who can be an engineer are formed as early as elementary school for some students. Exposing young children to robotics, engineering, and design can impact their confidence and interest in STEM. This Resource Exchange provides a project-based format for young children to earn Daisy Girl Scout Robotics badges through a hands-on soft robotics activity. We previously piloted a soft gripper activity with elementary-aged Girl Scout troop members to help them earn three robotics badges: "What Robots Do", "How Robots Move", and "Design a Robot". This activity, broken into three one-hour activities teaches young children the fundamentals of robotics design. The Resource Exchange includes materials and all instructions needed to complete the activity.