Abstract:

Educational robotics is a modern and innovative learning methodology based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), combining information technology and software development with mathematics, physics and engineering. Educational robotics is a prime example of "edutainment". This means that education and entertainment are mixed, and learning objectives are achieved directly, easily and quickly through play. Educational robotics can be used as a learning tool for various courses in primary and secondary education, as children can solve problems by programming blocks and developing robotic constructions. In this paper we present a robotic construction designed and programmed to achieve two main goals: A) draw graphs of mathematical functions (first, second and third degree) given the corresponding coefficients and B) solve first, second or third-degree equations and draw solutions as points on the X,Y canvas. Lego Education Mindstorms EV3 kit and software were used in this study as it is one of the most popular and efficient educational kits, suitable for children aged 9 to 16 years. Under software commands that control the construction's motor, colour sensors and gyroscope, the robot construction draws points on an XY canvas. The robotic exercises we developed for this purpose are parametric, so the user can enter their own data and create different equations. The graphical representation of the robot construction is interactive. This allows children to learn the corresponding module of the mathematics course by playing. Teachers can use these exercises to make mathematics more attractive to students through educational robotics. They can also easily create new exercises by adapting and extending the code that has been assigned to them.

Keywords:

Educational robotics, Lego Education Mindstorms EV3, geometry, mathematics, programming, educational robotic construction.