%0 Journal Article
%T Learning to explain: the role of educational robots in science education
%A Edoardo Datteri
%A Luisa Zecca
%A Federico Laudisa
%A Marco Castiglioni
%J Themes in Science and Technology Education
%D 2013
%I Themes in Science and Technology Education
%X Educational robotics laboratories typically involve building and programming robotic systems to perform particular tasks or solve problems. In this paper we explorethe potential educational value of a form of robot-supported educational activity that has been little discussed in the literature. During these activities, primary school children are asked to explain the behaviors of a robot constructed in advance by the teacher orlaboratory supervisor, rather than having to construct or program a robot themselves. It is argued that activities of this kind may have a significant role to play within science education: participation in a collaborative process aimed at explaining the behaviors of an educational robot provides children with the opportunity to develop scientific research skills and competencies and to engage in meta-cognitive reflection on fundamental issues surrounding scientific research methods.
%K educational robotics
%K robotics in science education
%K philosophy of science
%U http://earthlab.uoi.gr/theste/index.php/theste/article/view/116/82