Getting all your students interested and keeping them that way   This session will give practical examples of themes and content that teachers can use to enthuse a wider range of students about ICT and STEM more broadly. We will present project ideas that we have tested, demonstrating simple ways to make them more appealing to students from under-represented groups in STEM and ICT. How can you get all your students excited about ICT? We have exciting themes and content to help. Check out @robotsvsanimals Corra Boushel UWE Bristol/Bristol Robotics Lab

Over 150 people work at the BRL, imagining, designing and building new robots. The Lab is 20% female, lots of local people as well as international staff who design, build and test robots. Did you know the first robots in the world were built in Bristol? vid: https://goo.gl/sp1vN0  + info http://goo.gl/8LTgU8 

Biomimicry – engineering inspired by nature Biomimicry – engineering inspired by nature. A real interest of the Bristol Robotics Lab. See our blog http://robotsvsanimals.net/biomimetic-robots/ for school-friendly stories

Role models Not ‘just’ robots Their world “You’re an engineer” Finding topics that bring together unlikely combinations (eg robots + nature) to include as many kids as possible. “You’re an engineer”

St. Julian’s School at Robots vs Animals, Nov 2015 Not ‘just’ robots St. Julian’s School at Robots vs Animals, Nov 2015 The project combined nature + robotics to try to appeal to as many students as possible. Especially at older age groups, where robots might still be “cool” but for those who don’t see themselves as “techy” they might be intimidating or less inviting.

Role models Not ‘just’ robots Their world “You’re an engineer” - Psychology research shows real life examples make a difference. (refs on next slide) “You’re an engineer”

Girls do better when they see female role models (boys don’t do worse) Same applies to BME students: The “Obama effect” Use egs – even just a photo, story to start a topic. For examples of women in engineering/STEM check out http://stemettes.org/ http://www.wes.org.uk/rolemodels http://yourlife.org.uk/ Use historical examples, case studies, photographs, name checks…

Role models Not ‘just’ robots Their world “You’re an engineer” Making it relevant to students “You’re an engineer”

Design your own biomimetic robot: What problem does your robot solve? What animal or animals have you been inspired by? 3. What would your robot be made of? Why? 4. What problems might you need to overcome to improve the design? These questions help students “think like engineers”. For more details + questions, see http://robotsvsanimals.net/competition/ Competitions can help students get enthused, and help staff to focus a project and have some support or structure. For other competitions see School Science http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/competitions

Role models Not ‘just’ robots Their world “You’re an engineer” Career related “You’re an engineer”

Mentioning careers – identifying “someone builds robots/examines nature etc: this could be your job!”. Try to focus on interests, not on gender etc – girls often get directed towards biology/medicine, but a boy with the same interests might get told more about engineering. Challenge + be aware of this! Apprenticeships can be for everyone: https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

“Venn Diagram of comfort zones” Your interests Curriculum topic Their interests Finding topics that bring together unlikely combinations (eg robots + nature) to include as many kids as possible. Try to get everyone to move around in their comfort zones – teachers as well as students!

Themes Biomimicry Human-robot interaction Sustainability Medical Animal-inspired projects Human-robot interaction Safety with children Medical Help an older relative Defence Security for your home Transport Driverless cars Sustainability Energy saving devices Eg of themes from the Bristol Robotics Lab – could these lead to a student project?

Social Drone Innovation Award a landmine detection project  a project providing aid to disaster victims in the Philippines.  teach STEM skills to kids on the autism spectrum collecting whale snot for marine conservation research  recording the size of protest movements in countries that are trying to suppress dissidents http://robohub.org/drone-social-innovation-award-winners/ Unexpected applications – fresh ideas!

Coding = choreography? Coding can be intimidating to teachers, parents etc. Finding examples that allow it to “enter their comfort zone” e.g. map directions, recipes, dance choreography… all could help people find out about coding.

Cross-themes: Venn diagram of comfort zones Female + BME + local examples. Don’t tell them they can; show them they can Cross-themes: Venn diagram of comfort zones In summary Career related (no pressure!)

Questions? www.robotsvsanimals.net for more information

Discuss: 1 eg. of successful activity with “The Disengaged” For you, what is the most challenging content to teach? Solutions + strategies

UWE Bristol/Bristol Robotics Lab Please email me for more information or with any questions Corra Boushel corra.boushel@uwe.ac.uk UWE Bristol/Bristol Robotics Lab