Building Interest in Math and Science for Rural and Underserved Elementary School Children Using Robots

Abstract

The Robot Roadshow Program is designed to increase the interest of elementary school children in technical disciplines, specifically math and science. The program focuses on children from schools categorized as rural or underserved, which often have limited access to advanced technical resources. We developed the program using robots as a vehicle to get children excited about technical disciplines. We have found that while robots are universally captivating for all school age children, they dramatically peak the interest of K-6th graders. During the 2002-2003 school year, more than 1200 children, mostly from rural and underserved Kansas schools, have participated in the program.