Abstract

This course will allow students to integrate STEM concepts and critical thinking into engineering design, circuit building and programming to build an eco-friendly robot with a public service purpose.

Building a Robot

Suggested Time: 120 minutes
 

Overview

Students will apply their STEM knowledge to build a real robot.
 

Define: What is Robotics?

Students will collaborate in groups to research and derive their own definition of what is a robot, what are the various types of robots (both fiction and real life), how robots can help in our daily life through an inquiry based learning approach and present to the class. They will learn and be guided by Teachers to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math could be applied to the design, development and application of robots.
 

Vocabulary

Objectives

Science Topics covered

Forces and Interactions

Energy

Science and Engineering Practices:

Human Sustainability:

Cross-Cutting Concepts:

Science Standards

Technology Standards

Required Project Materials

Required Resources

Pre Lesson Homework

Lesson 1: Idea Generation

Part 1: Engineering Design Process: Define, Identify, Brainstorm, Select, Prototype (60 mins)
  1. Students to list down the pros and cons of the various robots used by the different industries. Why do we need robots? Does the benefits outweigh the risks? What are their limitations or challenges and any ethical or privacy concerns?
  2. Teachers to guide the students on the robot concepts with a public-service objective. With the students basic knowledge in circuit work, and programming, are the robot models workable? Teachers to work with students to build on some prototype models in which they envisioned to build. It is ok for them to fail and rebuild.
  3. Teachers to get students to think and compile a list of materials needed for the project. Recommended recyclables from home. Teachers to conclude on the feasible materials for students to bring to create their robots.
  4. Students to collaborate in groups and come up with a design draft for the project. Every group to have a distinct robot.

Lessons 2: Idea Building

Part 2: Engineering Design Process: Test, Iterate, and Communicate (60 mins)

  1. Teachers to review and discuss the groups’ designs and trigger their inquisitive minds by asking open ended questions on the limitations and explore endless possibilities. Teachers to get groups to do a cross review on each other groups’ designs so students can explore other possibilities and make adjustments.
  2. Students will then construct their robots.
  3. Teachers to give ample time for construction, testing, revisions and improvement suggestions for their robots.
  4. Students to showcase their robots demonstration in a school exhibition and allow them to bring back to discuss and show their parents for a review.