Engineering : A brighter, younger future
Lead Research Organisation:
Heriot-Watt University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Abstract
We propose to produce a robotics based technology project that is targeted at pupils in the upper two years of the primary school. The project will include classroom activities as well as the full spectrum of the written material. Four teachers from the two pilot schools will provide the expertise to turn the technical ideas into workable project material. An associated web site will provide additional pupil resources, space for the display of pupil work, and a repository of information to aid the classroom teacher.Associated with the project will be a mobile exhibition that will provide the pupils with a more advanced hands-on experience of many aspects of present day and future robot ideas. Contract science interpretation staff and postgraduate students will be involved in leading pupils and their teachers though a set of guided activities. As with the previous static robot exhibition, we will be using the expertise of Falkirk Museum Services to help with the overall design of the exhibition layout and logistics.
| Description | Generating enthusiasm for STEM topics in younger children is very important. Expecting Primary School teachers to be able to do this is asking too much. They are busy just doing the basics. The technical community need to provide "teacher friendly" resources to help them. This project showed that it is difficult but can be done. There is a demand for these types of resources. |
| Exploitation Route | Provision of advice on what we got right and what we got wrong. |
| Sectors | Education |
| Description | To help other staff and researchers in planing outreach activities. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Education |
| Description | Industry contribution |
| Amount | £3,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Selex ES |
| Department | SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2011 |
| End | 06/2012 |
| Description | Supply of a robot project to a range of Primary Schools throughout Scotland. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Project involved the design of a 6-week Robot technology project targeted at 10/11 year-old primary school pupils. Teachers received a pack of all necessary equipment with 1 robot kit per 3 pupils. Documentation, videos and a website provide the necessary support for the teacher. The kits are returned at the end of the project and can be refurnished for use by other schools. 2007-2010 : 4,875 pupils used the project (period of the grant) 2010-2014 : 11,313 pupils used the project Teachers of all backgrounds showed a marked increase in confidence in running a technology project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
| URL | http://www.robokid.org.uk |