Humans Are Like Robots
How are robots and humans related?Copyright Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robot_asimo_cropped.jpg
Four lessons related to robots and people present students with life sciences concepts related to the human body (including brain, nervous systems and muscles), introduced through engineering devices and subjects (including computers, actuators, electricity and sensors), via hands-on LEGO® robot activities. Students learn what a robot is and how it works, and then the similarities and differences between humans and robots.
A major aspect of biological engineering and neuroscience is the ability to see the human body as a functioning, controlled system, similar to a robot. More and more findings show that mathematical principles similar to those used in robotics are extremely useful or even necessary for a complete understanding of the human body. In the fields of biological engineering and systems neurobiology, engineers are becoming more involved in human body research and efforts to replicate the functioning of many of its systems. Electrical circuits, motors, gears and controls are all taught in the electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and control, and biomedical engineering disciplines.
4-LS1-2 Use a model to describe that animals' receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
Grade 4
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Use a model to test interactions concerning the functioning of a natural system.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- Different sense receptors are specialized for particular kinds of information, which may be then processed by the animal's brain. Animals are able to use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Use a model to test interactions concerning the functioning of a natural system.
MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
Grades 6-8
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Develop a model to generate data to test ideas about designed systems, including those representing inputs and outputs.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- Models of all kinds are important for testing solutions.Do you agree with this alignment?
- The iterative process of testing the most promising solutions and modifying what is proposed on the basis of the test results leads to greater refinement and ultimately to an optimal solution.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Develop a model to generate data to test ideas about designed systems, including those representing inputs and outputs.
MS-LS1-8 Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
Grades 6-8
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication and methods used, and describe how they are supported or not supported by evidence.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- Each sense receptor responds to different inputs (electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural systems.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication and methods used, and describe how they are supported or not supported by evidence.
- Day 1: What Is a Robot? lesson
- Day 2: Understanding Communication with a Robot activity
- Day 3: How Does a Robot Work? lesson
- Day 4: NXT Ball Shooter activity
- Day 5: Are We Like Robots? lesson
- Day 6: Understanding Movement in Humans and Robots activity
- Day 7: How Do Human Sensors Work? lesson
- Day 8-9: Movement Task Using Sensors - Humans and Robots activity
Contributors
Ajay Nair; Kalyani Upendram; Ashwin Mohan; Satish Nair
Supporting Program
GK-12 Program, Computational Neurobiology Center, College of Engineering, University of Missouri
Acknowledgements
This curriculum was developed under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant number DGE 0440524. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Copyright
2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2010 Curators of the University of Missouri