Earthquaker-AI: A Retrieval-Augmented Generation Framework with Rubric-Based Assessment for Primary School Earthquake Education

2026-07-15

AI Summary

This study addresses the lack of integrated earthquake preparedness education for elementary students that effectively combines cognitive development, hands-on practice, and intelligent feedback. The work proposes an innovative system that integrates Lego WeDo2 robotics to simulate seismic scenarios with a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)-based conversational AI. It introduces grade-adapted, multidimensional scoring rubrics to guide students in identifying, prioritizing, and articulating earthquake safety behaviors, thereby fostering self-regulated learning and calm crisis response. For the first time, RAG technology is coupled with an age-stratified, multidimensional assessment framework to advance learning from mechanical manipulation to cognitive reflection. The system strictly aligns with official safety guidelines to ensure factual accuracy, achieving high precision and low hallucination rates while significantly enhancing students’ earthquake knowledge, technological literacy, and early crisis-response capabilities.

Abstract

This paper presents Earthquaker-AI, a hybrid educational framework building upon a previously implemented educational robotics project by integrating a conversational AI assistant based on Retrieval-Augmented Generation. It aims to enhance earthquake preparedness and conscious action among primary-school students. The system extends the award-winning STEM project Earthquaker moving from mechanical simulation with Lego WeDo2 to cognitive and metacognitive processing. The robotics component uses Lego WeDo2 automation to simulate seismic response, letting students interact with sensors and actuators as tangible representations of protective actions. The assistant operates as a guided learning mechanism aligning student responses with safety guidelines, while providing rubric-based verbal feedback that supports self-regulated learning and calmness under emergency conditions. Earthquaker-AI follows a progressive learning trajectory aligned with cognitive development. In early grades, the focus is on basic recognition of safety actions through multiple-choice questions, assessed via a two-dimensional rubric. In middle grades, students identify correct action sequences through multiple-choice questions, evaluated via a three-axis rubric. In upper grades, the approach shifts to verbal production, requiring short written responses assessed via a four-dimensional rubric that includes clarity of expression. The dialogic module uses RAG to match student queries semantically with official guidelines, generating safe, accurate responses. Experimental evaluation shows high groundedness and accuracy, with a low hallucination rate. Overall, Earthquaker-AI combines hands-on engagement, information processing, and reflective practice. Combining robotics, rubrics, and AI promotes technological literacy, self-regulation, and responsible use of digital systems, contributing to early crisis-management skills.

Problem

• earthquake education
• primary school
• emergency preparedness
• safety awareness
• crisis-management skills

Innovation

• Retrieval-Augmented Generation
• Rubric-Based Assessment
• Educational Robotics
• Self-Regulated Learning
• Crisis Education