Category Archives: Research

Adapting Classic Computer Science Problems for Elementary Students: Case Study of the Four Color Map Theorem

Posted on March 13, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

Here’s the abstract for a little research project I am planning for my final project for my inquiry learning course.  Still trying to pinpoint exactly what to collect for data and what I am looking for.  I tend to be … Continue reading →

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Data Analysis And Implications – Grade 6 Survey

Posted on January 23, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

In a previous post ( https://kidsengineer.com/?p=572 ) I showed a graph of sixth grade attitudes towards computers/technology and engineering as a career.  This results were pre/post surveys before and after a grade 6 robotics unit.  The students had not experienced … Continue reading →

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The Missing E in STEM

Posted on January 17, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

I will be presenting at the Tech in Education Conference in Holyoke, MA today.  The slides can be found under Resources.

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Survey Results for Grade 6 Class

Posted on January 3, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

Here is some data from a grade 6 class I just finished working with.  They were new to robotics.  The pre/post survey asked 2 quantitative questions. Q1 – I like using computers and other technology.  Strongly Agree          Agree          Neither Agree … Continue reading →

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NRI Grant

Posted on November 7, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I have been very busy with a National Robotics Initiative grant that is due on December 6 so I have not been blogging.  I have also started a education doctoral program at UMass Amherst in the Math, Science, and Learning … Continue reading →

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Self-talk and Kid’s Building

Posted on September 28, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I noticed a lot of self-talk during the case study building sessions last year with kindergarten kids.  You may recall that I am going a seven year case study starting in grade K and going to grade 6 with 8 … Continue reading →

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Elementary Engineering Survey of Practice and Attitudes

Posted on July 20, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I am seeking to determine how schools support or don’t support the natural engineering instincts of children through the use of a survey. The working thesis is that the natural engineering and building instincts of children are supported in preschool … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Robotics, Teaching | 2 Comments

Grade 6 Survey Results

Posted on July 4, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

This cohort had 2 years of LEGO robotics.  Last year’s only had one.  Also, the unit was much more successful this year.  I did change the wording of the engineering question slightly this year to match another study sponsored by … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics, Technology | 3 Comments

First Year of Case Study – Observations

Posted on June 12, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I saw some interesting things in the first year of the seven-year longitudinal case study of engineering skills of young children from grades K to 6.  Each year, they will be given a variety of materials and be asked to … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics, Technology | 3 Comments

Research Protocols

Posted on January 19, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I have been thinking of the yearly research tasks I want to do. Would appreciate any feedback since I know very little about standard educational research. Elementary Engineering Robotics Case Study Yearly Research Tasks John Heffernan, Hampshire Regional Schools Research … Continue reading →

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