The UK faces a STEM worker shortage and a lack of diversity in the field, impacting productivity and technological progress. The Evaluating Robotic Interventions in STEM Education (ERISE) project aims to address these issues by integrating educational robotics into classrooms.

The ERISE project evaluates the effectiveness of robotics interventions using rigorous research strategies. The project seeks to influence national education policies and curricula through evidence-based studies and strategic reports.

The project has four objectives:

1. Develop “learning factories” in robotics and AI in Yorkshire and Sheffield City Region with STEM Learning Enthuse partnerships and Leeds Libraries.
2. Run a longitudinal evaluation with partners to measure the impact of interventions on children’s understanding, enthusiasm, and attitudes towards STEM subjects and careers.
3. Develop policy recommendations based on intervention outcomes and promote them to local and national education decision-makers, including the Department of Education and BEIS.
4. Develop a sustainability plan, identify sponsors and stakeholders to support long-term interventions and apply for follow-on funding to develop a large-scale, national evaluation program.

The ERISE project hopes to increase robotics education resources and teacher professional development in the UK,and influence the national curriculum to include robotics and AI materials, thus equipping the UK workforce with essential 21st-century skills.

We invite schools in the UK to become our partner schools, supporting this innovative approach to enhancing STEM education and promoting diversity.