Introduction
After being rescued from Mars, the robots return to their place of work. They challenge the high school students to explore the present and imagine the future of robotics. The students consider the following questions:
- How has robotics changed the way we live? Are the changes good or bad?
- What job opportunities will be available in the field of robotics?
- How can robotics be used to make life better in the future?
In this unit, the students continue to develop their teamwork and technical skills in robotics while they examine the impact robotics has made on our world and explore future directions in this field.
They will review the genre of science fiction and will consider the question “How much control should robots be given in our lives?” after reading and contrasting the situations science fiction writers such as Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Philip Dick present in their short stories and novels.
For their final project, students will use Lego (or VEX) materials and their knowledge about building and programming to build a prototype robot that might fill a niche or need in today’s society. They will develop oral and written communication skills as they plan a marketing strategy to “sell” their prototype to their class or a hypothetical panel of judges made up of the teacher and community volunteers. Their marketing plan will include a magazine ad and oral presentation to convince others to “buy” their product.
The unit includes an optional “Future Opportunities Expo” that will introduce students to possible career opportunities in robotics and other technology related fields. (subject to availability of resources)
Throughout the lessons, students will be involved in stimulating STEM and ELA standards based activities that develop problem solving and communication skills needed for success in the 21st century.
