Robots in aquatic environments to promote STEM and environmental awareness

Educational robotics programs promote interdisciplinary education, allowing students to experience how different fields of study can interact and complement each other. The aims of the presented methodology are to introduce learning about robotics in aquatic environments from an early age. The robotic aquarium called "RoboAquaria" is an innovative tool integrating marine and educational robotics to teach STEAM topics and environmental education. The SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) methodology is adopted to achieve specific learning objectives in a structured manner. The teaching methodology includes hands-on, task-based, interdisciplinary, game-based, and personalized learning to engage students and develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, collaborative, and practical skills. The created modules will promote the necessary skills, e.g. soft, green, transversal, through an educational robotics program. Additionally, this will strengthen the links between academia and K12 education, reinforce structured and continued collaboration, encourage sustainable and circular approaches in the blue economy, and facilitate talent retention and mobility in the blue economy.