In my robotics course, students learn about the six simple machines, the use of robotics in our lives, and the design process to develop solutions for engineering problems. In this unit, we will discuss and learn more of the physics and chemistry that goes into robotic construction and operations. We will also see how robots are used in the earth’s atmosphere and how they can help us understand the climate. We will look at how the design process is used to manufacture items that are better for the environment and climate. Students will research different human activities that are affecting the climate and atmosphere, and then they will come up with hypothetical solutions using our design process. This will be tied into students’ math courses and strengthening the use of physics by taking their formulas from paper to the construction of our robots in school. Students’ participation will increase when they work together to build robots and when they are working on the mathematics from physics problems that must be solved.
This unit will help students understand how physics and chemistry can be used to understand the earth’s atmosphere and the climate, and the impact of human activities. Topics will include studying the operations at manufacturing plants that have green and earth friendly components along with robotic assembly and how different types of manufacturing can have positive and negative effects on our environment and climate. Currently, in our curriculum, students learn little about the physics and chemistry components for robotics and construction. It is my hope that this unit spanning up to ten class periods will increase students’ understanding and participation in my robotics course along with increasing their understanding in their physics and chemistry courses.
Classroom lessons and activities include: how the design process is used to manufacture items, how satellites work and their relation to robotics, and the history of satellites.
How the design process is used in manufacturing: Students will review the existing design report that is used in class, and they will see how similar it is to the robots they design and how the design process is used in manufacturing to produce items.
History of satellites: Students will learn the history of satellites and talk about some of the first designs and what they were used for, and they will see how technology has changed their use and efficiency for people who need them.
How satellites work and their relation to robotics: Students will learn about satellites including what they are used for, how they work, and how they can change in the future. Students will come up with their own designs and uses for satellites. Students will look at current satellites and brainstorm how they could improve them. This can include material uses in construction of the satellites and/or design of satellites.
Teaching strategies will include the acting out of systems (using their bodies/movements to act out a system), cooperative learning, interdisciplinary teaching (pairing with math), daily reviews of previously learned material, teaching vocabulary throughout the unit, graphic organizers, hands on/ active participation, video/ visual graphs, problem solving instruction, and gamification (replacing traditional unit evaluation, such as tests and quizzes, with a game/competition to evaluate their created robot).
The unit will align to each of New Haven Public Schools 21
st
Century Competencies: Problem solving and critical thinking, creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, initiative, self-direction and accountability, citizenship and responsibility, and accessing and analyzing information.
Problem solving and critical thinking, creativity and innovation, and communication and collaboration will be used throughout the unit. It will be seen in all the activities in order for the students to create their own design and make modifications throughout the process.
Initiative, self-direction and accountability, citizenship and responsibility will be seen more in the group work sessions. Students will have to meet deadlines, give their peers feedback, and reflect on their own experiences.
