Week-Long Robotics Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

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.

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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.

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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.).

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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.

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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.

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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?"

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Additional Resources

Kits/Hardware:

• LEGO Mindstorms EV3

• VEX Robotics

• Arduino Starter Kit

• Raspberry Pi with sensors

Free Learning Platforms:

• MIT Scratch

• Arduino Project Hub

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  They are 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.  Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!