We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest conference paper, which presents the findings from our pilot study on robotics education in public libraries. Conducted last year in partnership with Leeds Libraries, the study focused on understanding how robotics activities can influence children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects and related careers.

The paper, titled “Impact of Robotics Activities on STEM Learning in Public Libraries: A Case Study from Leeds”, is now available through Springer and can be accessed here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-67059-6_17.

About the Study

The pilot study took place over three weeks as part of the Healthy Holidays Programme in Leeds, engaging 81 children aged 6 to 13 in eight robotics activities. The program aimed to assess how these informal learning experiences could spark children’s interest in STEM, particularly among those in deprived areas where access to such resources is often limited.

Our findings revealed that children’s interest in robotics and related careers significantly increased after participating in the activities. However, the impact on broader STEM subject and career interest was more limited, underscoring the complexity of nurturing long-term engagement in these fields.

This study highlights both the potential and the challenges of delivering effective robotics education in public libraries. It also points to the need for further research and improved methods for evaluating informal STEM learning, particularly among younger children.

Next Steps

As we continue to work towards making STEM education more accessible, especially for children from deprived communities, this study is an important milestone. We believe public libraries play a crucial role in delivering STEM education to underserved populations, providing free, hands-on opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible.

We are committed to expanding our research and refining our methods to ensure even greater impact in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to make STEM education more inclusive and accessible for all children.