Robotics as a Tool to Awaken Interest in Engineering and Computing Among Children and Young People

Abstract

Training is critical on engineering and technology disciplines, and it must be used to encourage today's children and youngsters to become the engineers and scientists of the future. For this reason, the Techno Museum Project carried out a series of workshops that used robotics as a motivational item to bring electronics and programming closer to children from 6 to 18 years. These topics are, a priori, commonly considered complex. The effects of these experiences on engineering and science understanding were analyzed. This work presents those analyses, which prove that learning scenarios based on the use of robotic equipment increases the motivation and curiosity of children and young people towards the use of new technologies. Motivation promotes their will to understand engineering and science. The paper shows the processes carried out by the Techno Museum Project. As for the results, a set of questions was asked to each of the participants in the experience. We will conclude that the use of mechatronics and robotics on education is a powerful motivational tool to enhance the interests of children and young people with minimal training on science and engineering.