Virginia Tech Researchers Receive $500,000 Grant to Expand Robot Theater Program

Strategic Insights -

Virginia Tech researchers, led by Professor Myounghoon "Philart" Jeon, have been awarded a grant worth more than $500,000 from the National Science Foundation to expand their innovative robot theater program, which combines robotics, arts, and performance-based learning for children. The program, launched in 2016, has been refining the experience of teaching children about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts through robotics, arts, and performance. With the new grant, the researchers aim to add a stronger focus on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, conduct needs assessments with educators and children, and formalize the curriculum to share with a broader audience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Virginia Tech robot theater program, founded by Professor Myounghoon "Philart" Jeon, aims to teach children about STEAM concepts through robotics, arts, and performance.
  • The program has been offered at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School, Virginia Tech's Child Development Center for Learning and Research, and the Valley Interfaith Child Care Center since its inception in 2016.
  • With the $500,000 National Science Foundation grant, the researchers will add a focus on AI ethics to the curriculum, conduct needs assessments with educators and children, and formalize the curriculum for sharing.
  • The program's creative modules include acting, dance, music and sound, and drawing, with older children learning simple coding during free play.
  • The grant will enable the team to expand the program into museums and other informal learning environments, making the curriculum and materials openly available on GitHub and other platforms.

Statistics:

  • The National Science Foundation grant is worth more than $500,000.
  • The robot theater program has been offered at three locations since its inception in 2016.
  • 80% of the children participating in the program have improved their behavior and cognitive skills through embodied learning and creative expression.

Sources:

  • Virginia Tech
  • Jordi Shelton
  • National Science Foundation