To apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education effectively, it is necessary to prepare a core that would combine its four elements and to place it centrally in an educational activity. The present authors have previously conducted an educational activity, the core of which comprised model construction using free-body diagrams (FBDs); this activity was targeted at a small group of learners. The authors employed underwater robots as the instructional material, and confirmed that positive learning effects can be produced. In the present study, we used a block diagram to construct a model of educational activities to educate participants by introducing an underwater robot and FBDs to a large group of learners, simultaneously. In addition, we designed an educational program, which ensured that the configuration would remain potent when expanded to large groups, aiming toward ensuring the educational effects. We hosted a contest based on this configuration, then evaluated the results qualitatively – by observing the participating students – and quantitatively – by conducting a questionnaire survey – to verify the effects. As a result, it was confirmed that consistency can be obtained even if the conventional educational method is extended to a larger number of student.

1. [1] G. Passault, Q. Rouxel, F. Petit, and O. Ly, “Metabot: A Low-Cost Legged Robotics Platform for Education,” IEEE Conf. Proc., Vol.2016, No.ICARSC, pp. 283-287, 2016.
2. [2] W.-h. Wang, “A mini experiment of offering STEM education to several age groups through the use of robots,” Integrated STEM Education Conf., Vol.2016, No.ISEC, pp. 120-127, 2016.
3. [3] D. Fortus, R. C. Dershimer, J. Krajcik, R. W. Marx, and R. Mamlok-Naaman, “Design-based science and student learning,” J. of Research in Science Teaching, Vol.41, Issue 10, pp. 1081-1110, 2004.
4. [4] H. Yamagata and T. Morita, “Development of Underwater Robot for Teaching Material of Basic Mechanics,” JRSJ, Vol.3, No3, pp. 181-188, 2015 (in Japanese).
5. [5] K. Ohishi, K. Ohnishi, and K. Miyachi, “Torque – Speed Regulation of DC Motor Based on Load Torque Estimation Method,” JIEE/1983 Int. Power Electronics Conf., IPEC-TOKYO, pp. 1209-1218, 1983.
6. [6] E. Pehkonen, “Use of open-ended problems,” Zentralblatt fur Didaktik der Mathematik, Vol.27, No.2, pp. 55-57, 1995.
7. [7] P.-H. Hung, Y.-F. Lin, and G.-J. Hwang, “Formative Assessment Design for PDA Integrated Ecology Observation,” Educational Technology & Society, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 33-42, 2010.
8. [8] S. E. Wallance, “ASNE Delaware Valley Chapter Teaches Students Naval Engineering through the Sea Perch Underwater Robotics Program,” Naval Engineers J., Vol.120, Issue 1, pp. 23-27, 2008.
9. [9] E. McGrath, S. Lowes, P. Lin, J. Sayres, L. Hotaling, and R. Stolkin, “Build IT: Building Middle and High School Students’ Understanding of Engineering, Science and IT through Underwater Robotics,” American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conf. & Exposition Proc., 2008.
10. [10] K. Poore, C. Kitts, G. Wheat, and W. Kirkwood, “A small scale ROV for shallow-water science operations,” OCEANS 2016 MTS/IEEE Monterey, Vol.2016, No.OCE, pp. 1-6, 2016.