This chapter discusses findings from a National Science Foundation (NSF) project funded by the Innovative Technologies Experiences for Student and Teachers (ITEST) program. The project has an ongoing research agenda focusing on the impact of robotics summer camps and competitions targeted at middle school youth. The research focused on the impact of the interventions on youth a) learning of computer programming, mathematics, and engineering concepts, b) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) attitudes, c) workplace skills, and d) STEM career interest. Results show that robotics

Many preservice teachers struggle in science courses and foster anxieties regarding science instruction in their future classrooms. Providing time and support for preservice teachers to teach science in an after-school classroom through service learning allows them to build a science learning environment outside the formal school day. In this alternative learning space, student dialogue can enhance learning in science while also improving preservice teachers’ confidence and enthusiasm to teach science. SCI-TALKS, a program that integrates service learning and science methods instruction

Chapter in Mueller, M. & Tippins, D. (Eds.) EcoJustice, Citizen Science and Youth Activism: Situated Tensions for Science Education. Springer International Publishing.Book description: This volume draws on the ecojustice, citizen science and youth activism literature base in science education and applies the ideas to situated tensions as they are either analyzed theoretically or praxiologically within science education pedagogy. It uses ecojustice to evaluate the holistic connections between cultural and natural systems, environmentalism, sustainability and Earth-friendly marketing trends, and

Chapter in X.Ge, D. Ifenthaler, & J.M. Spector (Eds.). Full Steam Ahead: Emerging Technologies for STEAM. New York: Springer Academic.Book description: This theory-to-practice guide offers leading-edge ideas for wide-scale curriculum reform in sciences, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics--the STEAM subjects. Chapters emphasize the critical importance of current and emerging digital technologies in bringing STEM education up to speed and implementing changes to curricula at the classroom level. Of particular interest are the diverse ways of integrating the liberal arts into STEM

Chapter 11 in M. Urban and D. Falvo (Eds) Improving K-12 STEM Education Outcomes through Technological Integration. IGI Global: Hershey, PA.Book description: The application of technology in classroom settings has equipped educators with innovative tools and techniques for effective teaching practice. Integrating digital technologies at the elementary and secondary levels helps to enrich the students' learning experience and maximize competency in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. "Improving K-12 STEM Education Outcomes through Technological Integration" focuses

The underwater environment presents novel challenges that can facilitate unique learning experiences for students engaged in robotics programs. Although the number of underwater educational robotics programs is small by comparison to other forms of K-12 robotics initiatives, several do exist, which have varying learning goals, implementation approaches, and tools. This chapter describes an underwater robotics program using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® components and related materials for middle and high school students. The program, known as WaterBotics™, has undergone an extensive, four-year research