Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Science Education Through Robotics Technology: Its Potential for Education for Sustainable Development (A Case Study from the USA)

This case study pictures the challenges and successes described by two Grade 8 teachers as they attempt to use robotic technologies to integrate their mathematics and science curriculum in an interdisciplinary manner. We share our observations regarding the difficulties the teachers faced and their perceptions as they used the technology as part of classroom instruction. Our analysis indicates that the technology served as an effective management tool for teachers and a strong motivational tool for students. However, the data also reveal that the teachers struggled to integrate the technology in a manner that supported interdisciplinary instruction, particularly because they lacked time and appropriate curricular materials. Consequently, we argue that for robotic technology to be used as a model to support education for sustainable development, specific curriculum, adaptable to local contexts, needs to be readily available.