Expanded Robotics Program Provides STEAM Skills to CPS Elementary School Students

Did you know that Cambridge students have the opportunity to learn robotics beginning in 3rd grade? This is made possible through a sustained partnership between the Cambridge STEAM Initiative and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS).

The effort to expand robotics opportunities for elementary school children began with the Cambridge community. “Historically, robotics programs were led almost entirely by parent volunteers,” explains Sharlene Yang, Director of the Cambridge STEAM Initiative. “As volunteers’ children grew older or as families’ interests changed, the parent-run programs would often wind down, creating gaps in access and continuity.”  

In 2023, the STEAM Initiative began collaborating with the CPS Educational Technology Department and the CPS Math Department to explore how to support robotics clubs in Cambridge Upper Schools. Around the same time, a Cambridge parent affiliated with the Cambridge Advanced Learning Association contacted the Cambridge Public Library about hosting a parent-run Robotics Club and reached out to the STEAM Initiative about the possibility of providing LEGO robotics kits. 

Recognizing the shared interest in robotics education, the STEAM Initiative brought all of these groups together to discuss common goals, available resources, and how to ensure equitable access for all Cambridge students. Since then, the STEAM Initiative has been working closely with the CPS Educational Technology Department to expand school-based robotics opportunities.  

“The LEGO robotics kits provide students with opportunities to build and expand their computer science skills,” said Gina Roughton, CPS Director of Educational Technology. “This includes solving problems, detecting and correcting errors, and writing and testing algorithmic codes, as well as programming literacies such as persistence, collaboration, and resiliency.”

Across elementary schools, students in 3rd - 5th grades learn about and explore robotics during technology classes. In 3rd and 4th grades, students engage with LEGO robotics kits through guided lessons that align with standards in the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science framework. In 5th grade, students enjoy open-ended design challenges and science-related builds.

“The LEGO Robotics Kits are highly engaging, hands-on, and collaborative learning tools.” says Ingrid Gustafson, Instructional Technology Specialist at Cambridge Public Schools. “The visual instructions are easy to follow and allow for broader student access, including for students who are learning English or who have limited language skills.” 

When CPS students move to the Upper Schools, there opportunities to continue exploring robotics: afterschool clubs, lunchtime clubs, and the long-standing FIRST Robotics team. Robotics is also integrated into core classes and in some science classes for middle schoolers. Since 2022, all 6th graders have also enjoyed robotics activities during the Computer Science Playground event in June. 

“The growth of robotics programming in Cambridge elementary schools is a powerful example of what can emerge when multiple stakeholders work together to create more opportunities for all young people in Cambridge to expand their STEAM skills,” says Yang. “Looking forward, the STEAM Initiative and CPS aim to expand robotics program at the Upper School and high school levels.”