/10/$25.00 ©2012 IEEE March 9, 2012, Ewing, NJ Integrated STEM Education Conference 1 Debug’ems and Other Deconstruction Kits for STEM Learning Jean Griffin, Eliot Kaplan, and Quinn Burke University of Pennsylvania, griffin@seas.upenn.edu, kaplane@seas.upenn.edu, burkew@dolphin.upenn.edu Abstract - This concept paper presents Deconstruction Kits as a means of creatively engaging learners in problem solving and critical thinking, skills that are applicable to all STEM disciplines. Deconstruction Kits, designed to promote learning while being taken apart, use reverse engineering and debugging to enhance creativity in science, computer science, and engineering curriculum. Deconstruction Kits effectively complement Constructionist (learning-by-building) technologies such as Scratch, electronic textiles, Processing, and App Inventor for Android (referred to collectively in this paper as Construction Kits). Although Construction Kits appear to be effective in engaging novices in computing and electronics through personal and participatory expression, many teachers of AP and undergraduate computer science (CS) courses and engineering (EE) courses underestimate their value. Meanwhile on the K- 12 level, opportunities to learn about computing and electronics are rare. Deconstruction Kits offer successful solutions to these concerns. Index Terms – computer science education, Constructionism, debugging, Debug’em, Deconstructionism, Deconstruction Kits, electronic textiles, STEM education. BACKGROUND Some of the most fascinating toys have moveable, mechanical parts. Consider the Fisher-Price Music Box Record Player, a wind-up toy introduced in 1971, shown in Figure 1. To operate it, one must turn the yellow knob on the front clockwise several times, place one of the cylindrical records with raised bumps on top of the orange plate, move the orange arm so that the metallic tuned teeth underneath it rest on top of the record, and turn the yellow switch from off to on, which causes the orange plate to turn and the music to play. One of the authors over a period of time had the opportunity to observe several children as they enjoyed playing with such a record player. One day, for no apparent reason, it simply stopped working. This was a sad day. The toy, a favorite, remained silent on a shelf until one day a visitor arrived who fixed it. FIGURE 1 FISHER-PRICE MUSIC BOX RECORD PLAYER [1] After removing four screws from the bottom of the box (deeply recessed for child-proofing) and examining the internal mechanisms, the problem was found – a broken rubber band! The rubber band stores potential energy when it is wound up with the yellow knob and slowly releases it as it uncoils when the switch is flipped. By simply replacing the rubber band the beloved record player worked once again. Everyone present was engaged and delighted. This story is related to remind the reader of the sheer joy one can experience by fixing something. The sense of suspense when opening up a mysterious box and the challenge of understanding a mechanical toy can enthrall the learner. In a process similar to the dismantling of the record player in order to fix it, Deconstruction Kits are designed to promote learning as they are taken apart. Deconstruction Kits can take many forms: games, mobile apps, stories, circuits, animations, simulations, etc. One variety, called Debug’ems, are intentionally designed to be broken and the learner applies a STEM concept to fix it (as with the rubber band). Another variety of Deconstruction Kit is fully functional and serves as a design pattern. After playing with a kit of this type, the user is guided through the process of understanding how it works, encouraged to tinker with it, and perhaps challenged to modify it or create something similar. The fundamental idea inherent in Deconstruction Kits is to promote learning by taking apart things that are appealing and carefully constructed. CAN CREATIVITY SUPPORT LEARNING OBJECTIVES? After nearly a decade of taking a traditional approach to teaching CS in university and high school settings, and