A miniature and low-cost robotic fish for ethorobotics research and engineering education: Part ii - Stem outreach

Nicole Abaid, Vladislav Kopman, Maurizio Porfiri

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Interactive robotics in formal and informal settings alike has been shown to effectively excite and educate learners at every level. In this second of two papers, we present the educational application of recently-developed biomimetic robotic fish for K-12 learning at the New York Aquarium focused on underwater robotics and marine science. We narrate the development, organization, and execution of an outreach program designed around these robotic fish to pique K-12 students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to attract them toward engineering careers. The activity offers an authentic engineering experience through bioinspired modification of the swimming robots informed by observation of the aquarium's inhabitants. Student survey responses indicate the success of the activity in influencing the students' perception of engineering. More specifically, the students showed an increased interest in STEM fields and found engineering to be a more accessible and exciting discipline after the activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASME 2011 Dynamic Systems and Control Conference and Bath/ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control, DSCC 2011
Pages217-224
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventASME 2011 Dynamic Systems and Control Conference and Bath/ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control, DSCC 2011 - Arlington, VA, United States
Duration: Oct 31 2011Nov 2 2011

Publication series

NameASME 2011 Dynamic Systems and Control Conference and Bath/ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control, DSCC 2011
Volume1

Other

OtherASME 2011 Dynamic Systems and Control Conference and Bath/ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control, DSCC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityArlington, VA
Period10/31/1111/2/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
  • Control and Systems Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A miniature and low-cost robotic fish for ethorobotics research and engineering education: Part ii - Stem outreach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this