Robotic Perimeter
Students use a distance-measuring robot to measure each side of a perimeter.Copyright 2011 Rezwana Uddin, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Students learn and practice how to find the perimeter of a polygonal shape. Using a ruler, they measure model rooms made of construction paper walls. They learn about other tools, such as a robot, that can help them take measurements. Using a robot built from a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® kit that has been programmed to move along a wall and output the length of that wall, students record measurements and compare the perimeter value found with the robot to the perimeter found using a ruler. In both cases, students sketch maps to the scale of the model room and label the measured lengths. A concluding discussion explores the ways in which using a robot may be advantageous or disadvantageous, and real-world applications.
Mechanical engineers, computer scientists, electrical engineers and other scientists often work together to create robots that use sensors to explore and send back measurements of a spaces that either due to concerns related to safety or efficiency, are not practical to manually measure or map. In addition, the trade-off between accuracy and error is a real concern that scientists grapple with no matter the experiment or tool being used.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Find the perimeter of a given a shape or area.
- Identify and describe possible sources of error, such as machine and human error.
- Explain the pros and cons of using a robot (or other forms of technology) to collect data or measurements, and decide for a given situation whether it is advantageous.