This study has identified important science literacy learning outcomes of robotics study—the
utilization of thinking skills and science process skills typical of scientifically literate individuals
and gains in student understanding of systems concepts, a common theme in science. I argue that
these outcomes are a result of both the affordances of the robotics environment itself and a
pedagogical approach that emphasizes open-ended, extended inquiry. The participants in this
study were not representative of the U.S. middle school student population. Therefore, future
studies should focus on replicating these findings with more diverse groups.
Furthermore, these results provide important information to curriculum developers, after
school science program coordinators, and middle and high school science teachers regarding
the increasingly popular, out-of-school, student activity of robotics study. A major goal of all
science teaching is the development of student understanding of, and facility with, the process of
science inquiry. Robotics provides a hands-on method of teaching thinking skills and science
process skills through the technological design and computer programming activities that inhere
in any robotics project. This report provides a theoretical and empirical basis for the development
of well-crafted curricular materials that emphasize the relationship of robotics learning to the
thinking skills, science process skills, and systems understanding associated with science literacy.
Future research studies should focus on the extent to which robotics study prepares students for
further learning about systems and for employing thinking and science process skills to solving
problems in other environments.