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Introduction to Robotics: Building, Programming, and Problem Solving
This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format. It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month. Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.
For extra enrichment, use this Robotics Kit in hands-on learning. To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, visit the Crash Course Robotics videos.
Day 1: Introduction to Robotics
Activities:
Reading/Research:
Read about the history of robotics
Watch: Crash Course: Robots.
Journaling Prompt:
"What is a robot? How are robots used in today's world?"
Explore:
Identify five types of robots (e.g., industrial, service, medical, military, space).
Watch videos of each type in action and create a table to write about each in your notebook.
Hands-on (Optional):
Unbox and explore your robotics kit.
Identify key components: sensors, motors, microcontroller, chassis, etc.
Day 2: The Anatomy of a Robot
Activities:
📖 Mini-Lesson:
Research how robots use sensors (touch, light, distance, sound).
Learn the role of actuators (servos, motors).
Experiment:
Use your kit or online simulator to:
Connect a sensor.
Program it to trigger a response (e.g., light turns on when dark).
Or, if you want to be like my child, program it to mop the floor rather than doing it yourself!
Journaling Prompt:
"Which sensor technology do you find most interesting? Why?"
Project Start:
Begin a "Build-a-Bot" Project (carry through the week).
Goal: Design and program a simple robot to complete a task (line following, obstacle avoidance, etc.).
Day 3: Coding for Robots
Activities:
Learn Programming Logic:
If using LEGO or VEX: Use block-based coding platforms.
If using Arduino: Learn simple C++ syntax.
Raspberry Pi: Use Python to control motors or LEDs.
Mini Challenges:
Make a motor spin.
Blink an LED when a sensor is triggered.
Use conditional logic (if/else statements).
Journaling Prompt:
"What was the most challenging part of coding today?"
Project Work:
Add basic movement or sensor response to your robot project.
Day 4: Robots in the Real World
Activities:
Research and Watch:
Explore careers in robotics.
Watch videos of robots in medicine, disaster response, space, agriculture. (Suggested: Boston Dynamics)
Discussion/Reflection:
Pros and cons of automation.
Ethics: Should robots replace human jobs? Consider AI decision-making, job displacement, and privacy concerns.
Journaling Prompt:
"Should robots have rights? Why or why not?"
Project Work:
Continue building. Add a new function or improve design.
Day 5: Engineering Challenge Day
Challenge Options:
Build a robot that:
Follows a line
Avoids obstacles
Picks up and moves an object
Navigates a maze
Activities:
Design + Test:
Set goals, sketch design, test multiple times.
Iterate:
What didn’t work? Improve it.
Journaling Prompt:
"What did your robot do well? What would you do differently next time?"
Additional Resources
Kits/Hardware:
Free Learning Platforms:
