What Is a Robot?
What is a robot?Copyright Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robot_asimo_cropped.jpg
This lesson introduces students to the major characteristics of robots. The associated activity uses the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 system as an example. Before studying robots in more detail, it is important for students to consider the many items they encounter in their daily lives that are robots so they can explore ways engineers can utilize robotics to solve problems in everyday life. The activity also serves as an introduction to the LEGO EV3 system so that students may utilize it as an educational tool in subsequent lessons and activities.
Engineers have used robots to create many technologies that students see every day, a number of which are shown in the lesson's PowerPoint presentation. In the activity, students are asked to design a program to solve a problem as if they are engineers. To conclude, students are asked to think creatively about ways they could use robots to solve problems. Through this lesson and activity, students build a basic understanding of robotics through looking at how engineers have used them.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define what a robot is.
- Describe the main components of a robot.
- Explain how the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot can be programmed to move.
- Explain how engineers apply robotics to solve real-world problems.