Abstract: This paper reports the results of a study of the relationship of robotics activity to the use of
science literacy skills and the development of systems understanding in middle school students. Twenty-six
11–12-year-olds (22 males and 4 females) attending an intensive robotics course offered at a summer camp
for academically advanced students participated in the research. This study analyzes how students utilized
thinking skills and science process skills characteristic of scientifically literate individuals to solve a
robotics challenge. In addition, a pre/post test revealed that course participants increased their systems
understanding, t (21) ¼ 22.47, p < .05. It is argued that the affordances of the robotics environment coupled
with a pedagogical approach emphasizing open-ended, extended inquiry prompts the utilization of science
literacy-based thinking and science process skills and leads to increased systems understanding.