SBIR/STTR Award attributes
There is a need to increase the number of highly motivated and qualified K-12 students particularly in regards to the future workforce in Naval technologies. Research has shown that K-12 students are more engaged and develop stronger critical thinking skills when building hands-on projects around specific applications with specific design criteria. Novel STEM education toolkits centered around students building aquatic soft robots can be developed to address this need and to build the future generation’s skill sets in areas such as engineering, math, physics, biology, and materials design. MaXentric Technologies partnered with UCSD is uniquely positioned to develop such aquatic STEM education toolkits and lesson plans for both the classroom and home use that can reach a diverse and inclusive K-12 community. UCSD has extensive experience in soft robotics and developing toolkits and lesson plans, while MaXentric has significant experience in rapid prototyping and developing waterproofed hardware meeting military standards. MaXentric Technologies and UCSD proposes SPARKLE (STEM Pedagogical Aquatic Robot Kit for Lesson Engagement). During Phase I, MaXentric and UCSD will collaborate to review existing K-12 robotics kits, determine appropriate learning goals for all grade levels, generate prototype kits and lesson plans, and identify strengths and weaknesses of the kits.
