Mariana Balaton

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About

Mariana Balaton is a dedicated researcher in physics education, with a specific focus on integrating programmable robotics into science teaching. Her key research areas include the use of low-cost educational robots, such as Ozobots, to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding in physics and astronomy. Balaton’s major contributions lie in developing hands-on, interactive strategies that bridge abstract scientific concepts with tangible, experimental learning. Her most-cited work, "Programming Ozobots for teaching astronomy" (2021, 8 citations), demonstrates how small robots can make celestial phenomena accessible in the classroom. In "Teaching kinematics with OZOBOT" (2020, 5 citations), she proposes innovative methods to improve students’ graph interpretation skills by controlling robot speed through simple drawings. While her citation counts reflect a growing niche, Balaton’s impact is notable for pioneering affordable, scalable tools that democratize physics education. Her work is particularly valuable for educators seeking to foster critical thinking and data literacy in middle and high school students, making her a key voice in the movement toward technology-enhanced, inquiry-based science learning.