Educational robots have emerged as transformative tools to support and enhance instructional and learning processes in K-12 classrooms. Studies have shown that instructional materials incorporating educational robotics can significantly improve students' understanding of STEM concepts. Working with robots offers practical learning advantages. Research has shown that educational robotics can change students’ learning attitudes by increasing their curiosity, motivation, and engagement, offering a promising future for K-12 education.

Educational robotics encompasses various forms. These include developing skills for robot programming and using robots to learn STEM concepts. Studies have also examined how educational robotics can contribute to the development of students' computational thinking skills.

This paper discusses the criteria and considerations for an educational robot prototype designed to facilitate learning the science subject of calculating average speed. According to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, seventh-grade students are expected to calculate average speed using distance and time measurements. The motivation for incorporating the robot into the learning process is to provide students with hands-on experience that will increase their motivation and foster a more practical understanding of calculating average speed, compared to the traditional instructional approach that relies on pencil and paper.

The designed autonomous mobile robot has an onboard display and can communicate with the user via a smartphone app. The app is intended for use by the teacher, who commands the robot to move at a designated speed unknown to the students. Students measure the distance and time the robot travels to calculate its speed. Students and teachers can then compare the answers with the information displayed on the smartphone app and the robot's onboard display, which provides real-time data on the robot's speed. This comparison process engages students and helps them validate their understanding of speed calculation concepts, allowing them to learn from their mistakes.

This paper provides an overview of the merits of educational robotics in K-12 classrooms. It highlights the use of robots to enhance learning in math and science subjects. The paper discusses the criteria and functional requirements for designing the educational mobile robot. We looked at the design criteria for making the robot engaging for students. We also considered the functional requirements of the robot to ensure teachers' acceptance of using robotics technology in their classrooms.

Keywords: Educational robotics, hands-on learning, student engagement, computational thinking, K-12 science, K-12 education.