Adults in a classroom-style training, seated at tables with two large projection screens at front.

Creative STEAM Learning through Computational Storytelling with Robotics

  • by Harry H Cheng

The workshop on Creative STEAM Learning through Computational Storytelling with Robotics was held on May 22, 2026 at the Solano County Office of Education. This hands-on workshop introduced educators to a creative approach to STEAM learning through storytelling with coding and robotics. Participants explored engaging projects in which students build and code robots, write and animate their own stories, and apply mathematics, computational thinking, engineering design, and artistic expression in meaningful contexts. 

Through hands-on activities and collaborative exploration, educators experienced how storytelling can make coding, robotics, and problem-solving more creative, engaging, and meaningful for students. Participants explored ways to adapt activities for different grade levels, learning environments, and student needs. In addition, participants experienced elements of RoboPlay, a collaborative team-based STEAM challenge that integrates coding, mathematics, creativity, communication, and real-time problem-solving.

 

What is Computational Storytelling?

Computational storytelling is the creation and expression of stories through coding, robotics, animation, and interactive technologies. Students develop and tell stories while applying computational thinking to program characters and behaviors, sequence events, solve problems, and create interactive experiences that integrate mathematics, coding, engineering design, creativity, artistic expression, and communication.

Workshop Learning Outcomes

After participating in the workshop, educators will be able to:

  • Develop original stories for computational storytelling through coding and robotics
  • Create simple animations based on the original stories using block-based coding by:
    • Changing the background
    • Selecting and moving characters using virtual robots
    • Manipulating images
  • Write math word problems corresponding to original stories 
  • Create drawings using virtual and hardware robots
  • Apply engineering design principles to build your own robots to enact stories
  • Design a robot float and apply math and coding skills to program it for RoboParade
  • Explore how RoboPlay can serve as a culminating team-based STEAM challenge experience  
  • Integrate computational storytelling with robotics into STEAM, CTE, and Expanded Learning programs

From Storytelling to Team-Based STEAM Challenges

 

 

Comments from Participants


Participant feedback highlighted the impact of the workshop:
💬 “I found everything very useful. If I had the program I would use it immediately with my students.” — TK Teacher
💬 “Thoughtfully organized. All instructors were very helpful and kind. This was the most enjoyable, most interesting training I have attended in my past decade teaching.” — 4th Grade Teacher
💬 “I learned how to represent math through coding. We were able to create stories using block coding, and it was scaffolded well enough that people without coding experience were able to create impressive work. I believe my students would love to take ownership of their learning using code.” — Middle School Teacher
💬 “I liked the fact that it was very hands on. It kept me engaged because I had the opportunity to try all of the assignments in real time.” — School Counselor
💬 “The multimodal aspect could be very useful for the students’ learning and cognition development. It was casual, everyone was very open to talk.” — PhD Candidate in Education

Resources and Showcases

Sponsors and Partners

Sponsor logos: CAL-MSCS, UC Davis C-STEM, Barobo, Solano County Office of Education