Robotics Unit

SUBJECT

TEACHER

GRADE

DATE

English

Ms. Brown

11

February 6, 2015

OVERVIEW
After reading Fahrenheit 451, we will delve into the world of robotics. We will use collaboration,
critical-thinking, and problem-solving to form an outlook on robotics. Students will give two
presentations over their knowledge on robotics: one to the 5 th grade science class and one to the
parents and community. Through this challenging and rewarding project, students will be immersed
in emerging technologies and will be able to expand their robotics knowledge.
DAY ONE
Introduction | the teacher will give a short presentation on the history of robotics. Afterwards, Mr.
Smith, Science teacher, will come talk to the class about the importance of robotics in society.
DAY TWO
Essay | Students will use class time to give a response to the topic: Robots Good or bad? They will
use prior knowledge and opinion to complete this essay. Essays will be due at the end of class.
DAY THREE
Teamwork | Students will watch various videos (chosen by the teacher) that demonstrate the aspects
of VEX Robotics. They will see the building process and will be able to the view the instructions to
build the robot. The class as a whole will discuss the importance of teamwork while the build is
occurring. We will also create rules for the build. The teacher will then break the students into groups.
In the groups, roles will be assigned, a team name will be selected, and a robot name will be selected.
For homework, the students will write in their journals their group information, along with their
expectations for the build process.
DAY FOUR
Build | Robot materials will be distributed. The building process will begin. 15 minutes before the
class period ends, the students will clean up. The remaining 10 minutes will be reserved for reflection
in their journals.
DAY FIVE
Build | Continue building. 15 minutes before the class period ends, the students will clean up. The
remaining 10 minutes will be reserved for reflection in their journals.
DAY SIX
Build | Final build day. The 15 minutes before the class period ends, the students will clean up. The
remaining 10 minutes will be reserved for reflection in their journals.
DAY SEVEN
Evaluation | Students will complete evaluations for their team members. Class discussion will then
take place about their experience with the build. Assign group presentation. Finish by recording final
thoughts on the building process in journals.
DAY EIGHT
Lab | Students will report to the computer lab to work on their presentations for the 5th grade Science
class.
DAY NINE
Lab | Students will finalize their presentations.
DAY TEN
Present | Half of the groups will give their presentations to the 5th grade Science class

DAY ELEVEN
Present | The second half will give their presentations.
DAY TWELVE
Evaluate/Reflect | Students will complete an evaluation form for their team members for the
presentation portion of the project. They will then do a final reflection in their journal.
DAY THIRTEEN
Feedback | The teacher will give feedback to the students regarding presentations in order to make
them the best for parent/community night. Finalize presentations.
DAY FOURTEEN
Parent Presentations | Students will give their presentations to the parents and community. They will
showcase their knowledge of robotics and the robot they have built.

REQUIREMENTS

RESOURCES

NOTES

Prior knowledge of
Fahrenheit 451

Mr. Smith, Science

Teacher, ABC HS

Timing is key during this unit

3 robot kits

5th grade science class

Computer access

Parents and community

Journals