MINT-Robo: Empowering Gifted High School Students with Robotics

Abstract

This Research to Practice Work in Progress paper presents an innovative, scientifically evaluated Educational Robotics project aiming at teaching fundamental Robotics topics to gifted high school students. Robotics plays an increasingly important role in our life. The increased need for well-trained people underlines the importance of a systematic education in Robotics, from K-12 to university. In recent years, a number of Educational Robotics projects and initiatives have emerged, mainly focusing on introducing children and youth to Robotics, but without going into greater detail on fundamental Robotics concepts. In order to close the gap between these introductory Robotics courses for beginners at K-12 level and common Robotics university courses, the MINT-Robo project was developed. Based on previously implemented K-12 Robotics projects, it is designed around the central topic of autonomous mobile robots. Complex contents, usually taught at university level, are prepared for the project's target group. Following the principles of constructionism, the project comprises a variety of hands-on elements, applying a project-based learning approach. The first pilot course was implemented and evaluated in form of youth research week in summer 2018. First results indicate that the goal of imparting fundamental Robotics concepts to talented high school students was achieved.