Title: Google's 'Robocars' Drive Hands-Free
Date: October 11, 2010 Grade: 4th
Subject: Technology
URL: http://www.newsy.com/videos/google-s-robocars-drive-hands-free
Teacher Information:
The video, Google’s ‘Robocars” Drives
Hands-Free, discusses cars developed by
Google that are able to drive without the
assistance of a driver. The video can be used
to introduce students to the topic of
robotics. In addition, the concept of adding a
“robo” feature to current mechanism can be
discussed. In the lesson plan below, 4th
graders create ideas for robo-device after
viewing the video.
Phase
Preparation
Task(s)
Time
Before the start of class, add the following information to your chalkboard,
whiteboard, Interactive whiteboard, or PowerPoint presentation:
7 min
Who’s driving the car?
Driver: The person who controls the car.
Can a car drive without a driver?
Discussion
Teacher will guide students through the information lists above. First, the
10 min
teacher will ask the student to explain, “Who drives a car?” The class will
discuss the question. Second, the teacher will discuss the word driver and
ask students for examples of different types of vehicles (e.g. truck, SUV, car).
Third, the teacher will ask the class the question, “Can a car drive with a
driver?” Student will respond to the question. The teacher should involve
the students in the discussion and ensure that everyone participates.
Watch
The class will watch the Newsy.com video: Google's 'Robocars' Drive
Hands-Free
http://www.newsy.com/videos/google-s-robocars-drive-hands-free
Google's 'Robocars' Drive Hands-Free
2:14 min
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Discussion/
Explain
assignment
The teacher will ask for general comments from students concerning the
10 min
video. Next, the teacher and class will discuss advantages and disadvantages
of having a car that can drive without the driver’s assistance. The teacher
will then insure that the students are familiar with the term, robot. From the
online Wordsmyth Children’s Dictionary, Robot is defined as, “a machine
that can perform some of the same tasks as a human being.”
http://www.wordsmyth.net/?level=2&ent=robot
The teacher and students will discuss the definition of robot and students
will give example of robots (fictional or real). Then the teacher will explain
that the car in the video is a form of robot because of the ability to drive
with assistance. Teacher will ask for feedback.
The teacher will then explain the assignment (see below) and give examples.
In addition to the robocar, the teacher should explain the iRobot Roomba,
the vacuum cleaner that cleans the floors without a human to assist; a robot
vacuum cleaner.
Individual
Work
Each student will create a list of three to five items/devices that he/she
5 min
believes should be converted to a robo-device (e.g. an item that would help
consumers by operating independently).
Individual
Work II
Each student would select an item from the list and draw a picture of how
Team Work
Students would work in teams of approximately four to develop a short skit
10 min
the transformed item would look.
10 min
concerning one of the new robo-devices. The group item would be selected
from one of the students’ pictures.
Presentations
Each group will present skit. Teams should be given a time limit for skit.
varies
Discussion
Students will discuss the different robo-devices from the skits and from the
5 min
previous student lists.
Google's 'Robocars' Drive Hands-Free
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Title: Google's 'Robocars' Drive Hands-Free
Extended Learning Activities – Optional
Team Work
Students work in a team to create a fictions company that produces and sells
100 min
robo-devices. Working together, the team would develop a company name,
logo, and product list.
Team Work,
Part 2
Each team will create a commercial for a specific robo-device. If available,
varies
student could use video cameras, computer and video editing equipment to
create a video. Otherwise, the team will create and perform a commercial
type skit to present to the class.
Team Work,
Part 3
Working on the same teams, student would work in teams to develop a
200 min
brochure style publication concerning the company’s robo-devices.
Microsoft Word, Publisher or similar program would be used to create the
document. The advertisement would feature one of the student’s robodevices. If computers are not available for the project, students could
develop the publication with paper, pencils, and color markers.
Speech
Each student would create and present a speech concerning one of the robo- varies
devices from their list.
Presentation
Each student would use Microsoft PowerPoint to create a presentation
120 min
concerning the robo-devices from the student’s list.
Desktop
Publishing
Each student will create an advertisement type publication utilizing a
60 min
computer lab or media center. Microsoft Word, Publisher or similar program
would be used to create the document. The advertisement would feature
one of the student’s robo-devices.
Parent
Involvement
Each student would work with a parent or family member to create a model
varies
of a specific robo-device. Boxes, paper, cardboard, glue, tape, pens, and
markers would be utilized.
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Looking for related resources? Check out…
Science: Robotics | eThemes
The eThemes Robotics webpage provides resources for 15 online resources concerning robotics
including educational games.
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/600
Let's make robots!
The Let’s Make robots! Website provides detailed information and projects for creating robots.
http://letsmakerobots.com/
Gears Educational Systems
Website provides kits for creating robots, open-source software, and lesson plans for teachers.
http://www.gearseds.com/
The Robot Cafe
The Robot Cafe is a directory listing site that also features an online store and games.
http://www.robotcafe.com/
Kids Online Resources - Science, Robots and Robotics
The website provides a list of online resources concerning robots and robotics especially suited for
children.
http://www.kidsolr.com/science/page1c.html
Robots - Lesson Plan Library | Discovery Education Classroom Resources
A robot related lesson plan for grades 5-8.
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/robbie/
Science: Inventions | eThemes
The eThemes Inventions webpage provides resources for 21 online resources concerning inventions.
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/215
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