Exploring the Use of Fiber Crafts With Soft Robotics for Connected Engineering Learning

Soft robotics is an emerging field with promising inroads for inclusive approaches to STEM learning because of the range of creative materials and cultural practices that soft robotics invites to robotics. We investigated one promising way soft robotics could foster connected learning, as part of engineering learning by integrating creative fiber crafts productions with pneumatic actuators and observing engineering practices with the tools and materials. Particularly, fiber crafts materials have increasingly become valued design materials within engineering and soft robotics. Yet it remains underexplored how these materials can be introduced to engineering education to foster more inclusive learning that is connected to youth interests and practices. Drawing on a connected learning approach, this study examines the use of a fiber-crafts based soft robotics activity within a US middle school setting toward demonstrations of engineering practices and connected learning design principles. At the intersection of soft robotics and fabric, we present three cases that show that making fabric a core of a soft robotics learning activity can legitimize youth practices by connecting emotions, familiarity, and personal interests with core engineering practices.     «

Soft robotics is an emerging field with promising inroads for inclusive approaches to STEM learning because of the range of creative materials and cultural practices that soft robotics invites to robotics. We investigated one promising way soft robotics could foster connected learning, as part of engineering learning by integrating creative fiber crafts productions with pneumatic actuators and observing engineering practices with the tools and materials. Particularly, fiber crafts materials have...     »