Science Safety Bots

Science Standards:
Practice of Science –
* Raise investigative questions, generate explanations based on exploration
* Compare observations made by groups using same tools, explain differences
* Keep accurate records
* Scientists question, discuss, and check each other’s evidence
Engineering-
*Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
*Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost
*Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem

Materials:
Cubelet Kits – one for each student table (minimum of 6)
Brainstorming Sheet for science safety rules
Science Journals – final write of class created science safety rules, design application for bot/Lego creation
How to Build Bot Cards and fancy markers
Digital Camera – available for students to video bot in action and create how to build video to accompany written card directions

Activity:
At the start of the academic year, each science lab class creates a list of classroom safety rules to follow. Students are active in brainstorming, discussing, analyzing, and creating a master list. As an extension (and ongoing review) of these important classroom guidelines, we will be incorporating robotics to create student created sharing on importance of final selected safety rules.

1. Class brainstorms list of possible safety rules for science lab classroom. Each rule will have at least one example on its importance, either in cause/effect description, or visual image on results if rule not followed.
2. Students will be introduced to Cubelets and the functions for each cube. Working in groups, students will select a different safety rule from the master class created list to as their focus – and build a related safety bot example. Legos and the Lego brick attachments highly recommended to further create visualization/action of the safety bot doing its job.
3. Students will create a how to build card for their safety bot design, so other students can rebuild, check the original group’s bot design, and further enhance the initial safety bot.
4. Each group will share their creations with the class, and seek feedback/answer questions from peers.
5. Final bots will be shared with other classes, who are also doing same activity. Comparison of designs of created safety bots focusing on same safety rule will be emphasized.
6. Bot station will be available to students on Design Day, a robotics day scheduled at the end of each main science unit, before starting the next topic. In addition, bot cards and materials will be available as a “hands-on” station at school site community science events such as Open House and Science Expo nights.