Course Title:6th- 8th Tech Ed

Lesson Title: Introduction to Engineering & Robotics

Lesson Plan # 2

Lesson Objective: Upon completion the student should be able to do:

The students will have an understanding of engineering and how it relates to robotics. STL 8.G
The student will be able to correctly produce entries in their engineering notebooks. STL 8.E
The students will be able to explain what the basic different components of a robot are and how they perform
their function with 80% accuracy. STL 12.H
The students will be able to operate the Clawbot well enough to maneuver the obstacle course and deliver the
ball without dropping it. STL 12.K
Tools

and Materials Needed

Pencil
Engineering notebook
Vex Clawbots and controllers

Teaching Aids Required

Laptop
Timer
Tape
Plastic ball (Plutonium)
Informational Assignment (readings): N/A
Individualized Informational Assignment for Special Students:
See IEP where applicable
References:
http://curriculum.vexrobotics.com/
Introduction or Preparatory Set:
Have the obstacle course created in the shop and taped off on the floor and the plutonium set up.
Advanced Organizer:
Ask the students if they remember seeing a bomb defusing robot on the television or in a movie. Discuss how
those robots are similar to the one they built.
Presentation Outline:
1) Review that we will be testing the robots and driving skills today.
2) Explain the competition: Drivers must
a) Navigate the obstacle course without crossing the borders marked on the floor
b) Retrieve the plutonium without damaging it
c) Bring the plutonium back to containment warehouse without causing an explosion
Demonstration:
Walk the students through the course.
Lesson Summary (conclusion):
Discuss the criteria and constraints involved in building the clawbots. What were the most difficult ones?
What did you learn that you didnt expect to learn? Talk about working in teams and cooperation to
accomplish a goal.
Application/Activity:
Use the clawbots to successfully navigate the obstacle course and retrieve the ball (plutonium) without dropping
it or crossing the boarders marked on he floor. Make an entry in the engineering notebooks with the positives
and negatives of using a system to solve a problem.