Sparking the Interest of Girls in Computer Science via Chemical Experimentation and Robotics: The Qui-Bot H2O Case Study

Abstract

We report a new learning approach in science and technology through the Qui-Bot H2O project: a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project developed with the main objective of inclusively increasing interest in computer science engineering among children and young people, breaking stereotypes and invisible social and gender barriers. The project highlights the social aspect of robotics applied to chemistry, at early ages. We successfully tested the project activities on girls between 3 to 13 years old. After taking part in the project, the users rated their interest in science and technology to be higher than before. Data collected during experiences included background information on students, measurements of the project’s impact and students’ interest in it, and an evaluation of student satisfaction of this STEM activity. The Qui-Bot H2O project is supported by the actions of territorial public administrations towards gender equality and the contributions of humanistic and technological universities and entities which specialize in education and business.

Child–Robot Interactions Using Educational Robots: An Ethical and Inclusive Perspective

“…In contrast with the works of Ingmar H. Riedel-Kruse, [ 9 , 10 ], the final Lab Qui-Bot design includes the 3D design of the bucket holder and the 3D design of the additional pieces not included in the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit. Additional information about the Lab Qui-Bot design and related software is available at [ 11 , 21 , 27 ], and information can be downloaded for use by other instructors from [ 21 ].…”

“…The Lab Qui-Bot and the Lab2 Qui-Bot are both monitored by a web application, which sends interaction orders to them by using Bluetooth technology as a medium for sending data and using Sockets as a communication protocol. The interact tab is a control panel that allows the user to control the robot directly by using buttons (see the details in [ 11 , 27 ]). Finally, the control panel on the program tab (see Figure 3 ) allows the user to play a set of instructions from a program and focus on the concepts of computational thinking: instruction sequence, loop, and computer logic.…”

“… Own awareness of skills: The proposed activities in the Qui-Bot H 2 O project include the presence of robots in the classroom, which encourage female students to carry out exercises that society, even today, does not encourage them to engage in. Considering the observations and results obtained in the experiments with young people aged from 3 to 13 [ 11 ], teachers should insist that the students become aware of their observed results and question themselves in light of having participated in programming a robot to find out what its vocations are. Reinterpret gender biases: It is critical to insist that algorithmic learning reproduces unconscious schemas that transmit prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination, including those of gender biases.…”

“…Our previous work in [ 9 , 10 , 11 ] arises from a very positive international experience based on Lego Liquid Handlers that enable Do It Yourself (DOY) construction run by the Department of Bioengineering and led by the researcher Ingmar H. Riedel-Kruse [ 12 , 13 , 14 ] at Stanford University. Alternatively, OpenLH [ 15 ] offers block-based programming interfaces for DOY liquid handlers.…”

“…These buttons correspond to instructions that the robot executes in real time and the results of the instructions are very visual. As a result of previous tests developed in [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], in our research, we developed a new Lego-based mobile robot prototype that performs chemical experiments and includes other sensing elements that allow voice recognition through simple and easy-to-use commands to facilitate robot–child interactions (MultiArm Qui-Bot). On the other hand, the connection between the robot and the computer has been improved through the use of Wi-Fi, which allows faster interactions and the monitoring of the robot, together with concurrent access.…”