As demand for robots and AI literacy is rapidly increasing, schools introduce more education programs about robots and AI. However, formal education settings for this topic are still unfamiliar and intimidating. In this project, the research team will design and implement an embodied, informal STEAM (STEM + arts) education program. There will be a focus on robots and AI ethics for young learners (4th-5th graders) so that they can experience how to live with these technologies. This interactive learning program will consist of diverse modules (e.g., acting, dance, music and sound, and drawing). 

There are three primary research thrusts to the project. First, the team will conduct literature reviews, focus groups with stakeholders. They will identify experiences and challenges for learning AI and robotic ethics using surveys and interviews. Second, the project team will develop a creative afterschool program using participatory design workshops. The research team will also create technologies and tools to support the AI and robotic learning objectives. The final thrust will implement and evaluate the creative afterschool program in schools and museums. The proposed creative afterschool program will draw upon interdisciplinary expertise and experiences in psychology, computer science, engineering education, interactive arts, and human-robot interaction. This research contributes to the creation of a modularized curriculum, accessible interfaces, and tools for children. The outcomes will produce data and knowledge about children's understanding and perception of robots and AI ethics. This project will produce guidelines for future iterations of this type of creative afterschool program.