Can Robot Toys Help Get More Girls Into STEM?

By Aubrey Patterson

Image credit: https://images.pexels.com/photos/7750717/pexels-photo-7750717.jpeg

​Despite progress in increasing women’s access to educational and career opportunities, girls and young women remain underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A Forbes report on STEM education notes that women account for only 28% of the STEM workforce in the US, with female scientists facing challenges like burnout and unequal wages. The report highlights that girls often lose interest in math and science as they advance through their education, but addressing these concerns can start with education.

To encourage more girls to pursue STEM degrees and careers, it's crucial to make STEM topics engaging and relevant to the real world. One effective approach is to introduce girls to robot toys, both in the classroom and at home. These toys can spark an early interest in math and science and help develop essential skills in STEM.

Building STEM Foundations Through Play

The toy industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of STEM skills in children's development. Many robot toys are now designed to teach foundational coding and programming.

For example, primary school teachers have reported success using the KIBO robot to teach kids how to code without relying on a screen. The KIBO15 STEAM Robot uses barcode technology and blocks that children can scan to execute sequential commands such as moving forward, flashing lights, and making sounds.

Kits like the Boolean Box, a build-it yourself computer kit for girls, include programming lessons and simple circuitry tasks.

Robot toys like these facilitate learning of engineering design principles, from brainstorming and planning to creation and testing.

Combine education and playtime

Many robot toys focus on combining education and playtime into a fulfilling learning experience. Reviews of robot unicorn toys, like those by Robot Pet Friends, show how STEM education can be fun and engaging.

For example, the UBTECH Unicornbot, a highly-rated robot toy, engages young girls in coding by allowing them to build, customize, and program its 440 snap-together parts. They can choose sensors and commands to execute actions like poses and light-up colors, blending STEM learning with creativity.
 
Foster hands-on, collaborative learning

Robot toys can also be used to support hands-on, collaborative learning. Instead of structured lessons, educators can encourage kids to work on building and coding projects with their peers, providing experiential learning through critical thinking. problem-solving, and resolving mistakes together.

However, as noted in an article by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, it's important for teachers to set ground rules to ensure productive collaboration. Assigning specific tasks and ensuring young girls are represented in leadership roles can create a balanced and effective learning environment.
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Robot toys are more than just advanced platforms for fun. They can create intuitive, engaging, and collaborative learning environments for girls interested in STEM. And, as young female learners decide to pursue STEM in higher education, they can refer to resources like Scientista for continued guidance on their educational journey.

Aubrey Patterson

Aubrey Patterson is a law-student turned cyber security professional. She has been working as an Information Security Consultant for a number of years now and has personally mentored young women who are interested in entering the field.