Abstract:

Quí-Bot-H2O is a research project in teaching innovation and scientific dissemination that joins two disciplines with high potential and demand of professionals in our society: chemistry and programming. The main goal of the QUI-BOT-H2O is the development and implementation of robots capable of performing real chemical experiments through user-programmable commands, thus bringing programming and chemistry closer to students.
The programming is done intuitively through a web environment designed explicitly to attract both boys and girls from early childhood education. Chemical experiments are small-scale reproductions of robots used in Industry 4.0 that simulate basic industrial processes, without risk or danger to users. The project includes the design of a set of activities with robots to solve several chemical experiences and programming challenges adapted to the Spanish academic curriculum of early childhood education according to ORDER ECI/3960/2007.
The Lego-based robot presented here is developed with Lego parts, sensors, and actuators to make it more attractive to students and easy-to-use to students and teachers. Additional material has been designed using free software and created with a 3D printer, together with standard low-cost chemistry consumables such as syringes and pipettes. The software and web framework to control the robot is built with open-software components. The ad hoc design of the Quí-bot-H2O web interface to control the robot follows the principles of user-centered design, inclusive design and takes into account the functional diversity of its users. The activities require simple equipment (PCs, tablets, mobile phones) with an Internet and Bluetooth connection. The Quí-bot-H2O web platform is compatible with the latest versions of the most used operating systems and well-known browsers, such as Google Chrome or Firefox. In this work we provide the building plan of the robot, instructions and detailed protocols for three kinds of experiments: 1) Mixing, 2) Dilution series and 3) Density layer.
The Quí-Bot-H2O Project has been included in the gender equality lines of action of the two reference territorial public administrations for UPC in Manresa (Bages County Council and the Manresa City Council). The Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad supports the Quí-Bot-H2O challenge under Grant FECYT2021-15626, Line of action 2. Education and scientific vocations (2nd place out of 63 awarded and 150 denied).
Future work includes assessment of the results (classified in terms of age, gender and social environment) and the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the impact of the project before and after participation in the activities. Corrections will be applied based on the experiences of the pilot tests. Implementation of the project in the classrooms, that will be carried out through the training of teachers in schools and their incorporation into the training offer of the Department of Education.
Finally, it should be noted that the actions of the Quí-Bot-H2O project align with the Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education, Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and Reduction of Inequalities, and is part of the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, 2021.

Keywords:

STEM, robotics, diversity, inclusion, teaching, gender, stereotypes, diversity, education, innovation.