A study on the Impact of AI-Driven STEAM Curricula on Computational Thinking Development in the Chinese Elementary School

Abstract

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into computational thinking (CT) curricula for primary school students in China. A 9-week course was designed and implemented with 15 students from Grades 4 to 6 enrolled in after school information technology program, focusing on hands-on activities to teach machine learning principles. Students used the Machine Learning for Kids platform to build and train machine learning models, which were then integrated into Scratch to create AI-powered applications. The course was grounded in STEAM education, project-based learning (PBL), and co-design methodologies, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. In the learning program, pre- and post-survey was designed based on the Computational Thinking Scale (CTS) to measure students’ creativity, algorithmic thinking, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Bebras Challenge was also adopted to evaluate students’ performance in CT test, including algorithm design, pattern recognition, and decomposition questions. Results showed significant improvements in all CT dimensions at the end of the learning program, and students’ Bebras Challenge score increased from 3.84 in week 1 to 4.08 in week 9, indicating notable progress in computational thinking skills. Additionally, focus group was conducted to collect students’ feedback on this learning experience, and students reported high engagement, improved problem-solving skills, and increased awareness of AI applications in daily life, despite challenges encountered such as language barriers and technical issues. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating AI education into primary school curricula to enhance students’ CT skills while highlighting areas for improvement in course design. This study contributes to the development of AI and CT education frameworks, providing practical implications for implementing AI education in K-12 schools.