Stem-Kit: An interdisciplinary approach to learning physics and computer science

• Main Authors: Gugole, Matilde, Fiore, Francesca, Rosi, Tommaso, Zendri, Giuliano, Montresor, Alberto
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collaboration; Companies; Computer science; Education; educational kit; high school; Instruments; Interviews; programming; Sensors; STEM
• ISSN: 2377-634X
• DOI: 10.1109/FIE58773.2023.10343208

Contribution: This study aimed to develop, test, and evaluate an educational kit for high schools that fosters a multidisciplinary bond between physics and computer science. Grounded in constructionism, the kit encourages students to take a more practical approach towards STEM subjects by using simple Arduino-based boards and sensors to measure physical quantities during simple experiments. The project was a collaborative effort between the University of Trento and Level Up, a local company that produces innovative educational materials related to physics and science for schools. The study involved 16 high schools with over 300 students and about 20 physics and informatics teachers. The kits were validated through questionnaires and interviews, with an emphasis on assessing changes in student motivation, interest in STEM subjects, and practical experience. Background: The learning-by-doing approach is central to constructionism, which emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning in education. This approach is often neglected in the Italian school system, which tends to prioritize theoretical studies that are distant from real-world problems and applications. Part of the problem is the lack of experimental sets available to each student. Intended outcomes: First, to create an educational kit that high school teachers could use to provide their students with practical experience in their physics curricula and enable them to apply their knowledge of computer science to arrive at better results. Second, to measure a change in students' interest in STEM subjects once they experience a more practical approach using the educational instrumentation created in the project. Another goal was to increase their motivation and engagement in the learning-by-doing process and to help them understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Findings: The students who participated in the project were asked to complete two questionnaires regarding their approach and motivation towards STEM subjects, both before and after using the educational kit. The answers were divided by gender to determine if there were any differences in approach. The study recorded a very positive response from the students and a growing motivation towards this type of hands-on method used during classes.