Bee-Bots Help Bridge the CS Education Gap in Kindergarten Classrooms

In February 2025, Ashley Ruiz and Mahya Minaiy, Ed.D. from the Snap Inc. Institute for Technology & Education (SITE) at California State University, Dominguez Hills, presented their research on integrating computer science education in kindergarten classrooms. Their poster presentation at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California, highlighted how Bee-Bots played a crucial role in their innovative approach. The research addressed a critical challenge in computer science education: While early exposure to Computer Science (CS) concepts is vital for preventing stereotypes and fostering equal opportunities, many schools—particularly those in underserved communities—lack qualified teachers to implement effective CS programs.

The SITE team developed three integrated 20-minute activities centered around bee behavior that seamlessly incorporated computer science concepts with existing kindergarten curriculum standards. One of the key activities involved programming Bee-Bot robots to collect and transport “pollen,” introducing young learners to fundamental programming concepts through engaging, hands-on experiences. What made this approach particularly effective was its dual purpose: Not only did it provide kindergarteners with valuable CS exposure, but it simultaneously offered professional development opportunities for both preservice and inservice teachers. The activities were facilitated in station-based sessions in a school library, maintaining low student-to-facilitator ratios for personalized learning.

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The research emphasized the importance of introducing the concept of “algorithms” to kindergarteners through playful, accessible activities. By programming Bee-Bots to follow specific paths, students gained hands-on experience creating and executing simple algorithms—foundational skills that can help build computational thinking from an early age. This work is particularly significant as research shows children begin forming STEM identities and perceptions about computer science as early as age six. By introducing CS concepts through engaging tools like Bee-Bots before stereotypes form, educators can help ensure all students see themselves as capable of succeeding in computer science. The successful implementation of this model demonstrates how educational robots like Bee-Bots can be powerful tools for CS education, especially when integrated within existing curriculum frameworks and supported by comprehensive teacher training.

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