The Edu-Mat project (Project Number: 2023-1-IT02-KA220-SCH-000157934) has been co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Robotica Educativa: costruzione e programmazione di robot

Institution
Liceo Scientifico “G. Marconi” di Perugia
Institution Typology
School
Country
Italy
Stakeholders involved
Teachers: Science, mathematics, technology, and computer science educators

Students: High school students of the scientific curriculum

Families: Support and participation in school activities

Local Institutions: Logistical and organizational support
Summary
The project introduced students to building and programming robots using advanced kits such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Activities included participation in robotics competitions, enhancing skills in problem-solving and collaboration.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

Problem addressed or learning needs
The integration of coding and digital technologies into humanities subjects aims to:

Develop computational thinking: the ability to solve problems algorithmically.

Stimulate critical and creative thinking: analyzing and tackling challenges innovatively.

Improve learning in curricular subjects: applying technologies to deepen understanding in the humanities.

Promote collaborative work: developing social and teamwork skills.

Types of enhanced competences
Cognitive Skills: Acquisition of technical and theoretical knowledge

Metacognitive Skills: Reflection on one’s own learning process

Collaborative Skills: Ability to work in groups and communicate effectively

METHODS, STRATEGIES AND TOOLS

Subjects involved
Humanities, Technologies\Engineering, Math, Natural Science

Duration and timeline of implementation
The project spanned an entire school year, with weekly meetings and intensive laboratory activities.

Strategies and activities
Robot Design and Construction: Use of kits like Arduino and Raspberry Pi to build functional models

Programming: Writing code to control robots and perform specific tasks

Participation in Competitions: Team challenges to apply acquired skills in real-world scenarios

Material Sources
Hardware: Arduino kits, Raspberry Pi, sensors, motors

Software: Programming environments like Scratch, Python, and specific IDEs for Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Methodology
Team Work, Cooperative Learning, Learning By Doing

IMPACT AND RESULTS

Impact
Students Involved: Around 100 actively participating students

Teachers Involved: 5 coordinating teachers

Schools Involved: 1 school, with the potential to replicate the project in other institutions

Observed Benefits
Development of technical skills: practical knowledge in robotics and programming

Stimulated critical and creative thinking: ability to tackle challenges innovatively

Improved collaborative abilities: enhanced teamwork and communication

Increased interest in STEM subjects: higher student motivation and engagement

Challenges Faced
Resource Management: Need for adequate tools and specific teacher training

Adapting to Student Diversity: Customizing activities to meet individual learning needs

LESSONS LEARNT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Key Success Factors
Integration of technologies: use of advanced tools to facilitate learning

Teacher collaboration: coordination among different disciplines for an interdisciplinary approach

Active student participation: direct involvement in hands-on activities and competitions

Future Improvements
Expansion of Resources: Acquisition of new kits and technology upgrades

Ongoing Teacher Training: Regular updates to maintain teaching quality

Family Involvement: Increased family participation in school activities

Recommendations
Project Replicability: Adapt the model for use in other schools to spread best practices

Sustainability: Seek funding and partnerships to ensure project continuity

Inclusiveness: Design activities that engage all students, regardless of their initial skill level