Share Paper: Robots for Science: Analysis of Preservice Teacher Outcomes through a Robotics and Coding Integration Unit in a K-8 Science Methods Course

1. John Williams, University of South Dakota, United States
2. Kevin Reins, University of South Dakota, United States
3. Branden Hoefert, University of South Dakota, United States

Abstract: The use of robotics in STEM education represents both an emerging opportunity and an ongoing challenge for teacher educators. While robotics technology holds promise in engaging students, preservice and in-service teachers may not have the confidence or skills necessary to integrate robotics into STEM lessons. Professional development (PD) programs in robotics integration have been shown to increase self-efficacy and lesson development skills for in-service teachers, but few studies of similar interventions exist for preservice teachers (PSTs). In this study, we examined whether PSTs participating in a robotics integration unit within a K-8 science methods course would exhibit changes in teaching ...