This project seeks to promote computational thinking and a sense of belonging in computer science through a culturally relevant robotics program (CRR Program) developed in partnership with university teacher educators and researchers, administrators, teachers, coaches, and Black and Latinx children and their families.

In the news...

• Acknowledgement from the chancelor during her 2020 flagship address

• $1 million grant bringing Culturally Relevant Robotics to two Knox County schools

• Harper taps training & support to fund STEM education research

Why Culturally Relevant Robotics in Preschool?

Computational thinking is recognized as a critical, 21st century skill needed for academic and career success, and recent efforts have sought to incorporate fundamentals of coding and use of digital technologies in early elementary and preschool education. Considerations of early access and socialization into computer science education among Black and Latinx children remain underexplored. Currently, preschool teachers, instructional coaches, and families are left to offer computer science learning opportunities for Black and Latinx children based on models that do not meet the specific needs of racially and linguistically diverse urban communities. Further, while models for culturally relevant computer science education with Black and Latinx youth in late elementary and middle school exist, there is little guidance as to how to adapt these models to support young Black and Latinx children to develop a strong foundation of computational thinking from the start of their formal education. This grant will not only develop a culturally relevant robotics program, it will assess its effectiveness in promoting the development of computational thinking and sense of belonging among preschoolers. Developing interest in, and support for, computer science early could yield an increase in computer science degrees at the post-secondary level and diversify the computer science workforce.