Overview

Grades

K+ (Ages 4+)

Time

40 minutes per lab

Unit Essential Question(s)

What is a robot, and how is it different from other devices I know and use?
How do I use my 123 Robot?

Unit Understandings

The following concepts will be covered throughout this Unit:

The 123 Robot is a mechanical device that can carry out an action when programmed by a human.

Lab Summary

Click on the following tabs for a summary of what the students will do and learn in each lab.

Lab 1 - Hello, 123!

Students will follow along as the teacher unboxes a 123 Robot. The teacher will read and act out the introductory story to engage students in a guided introduction to their 123 Robots.
Students will be introduced to the basic features of the 123 Robot and charging apparatus.
Students will take a closer look at each feature individually. They will remember what it does, and then test their memory to continue to build a working understanding of the 123 Robot and its components.

Lab 2 - Robot Rules

Students will engage in a collaborative discussion facilitated by the teacher, in order to create “Robot Rules,” expectations, and decision-making strategies for how students will engage with the robots and group members.
Students will be able to wonder “What if…?” with their teacher, to engage in a guided, child-driven exploration in robot cause and effect. For each “What if…” scenario, the class will decide first if it is within the “Robot Rules,” and then come up with a way to test their ideas.

Unit Standards

Unit Standards will be addressed in every Lab within the Unit.

Computer Science Teaching Association (CSTA)

CSTA 1A-CS-02: Use appropriate terminology in identifying and describing the function of common physical components of computing systems (hardware).

How Standard is Achieved: In Lab 1, students are introduced to names of the features and functions of the 123 Robot in the Engage section. Guided by the teacher and the Meet Your Robot story, students learn appropriate terminology for the 123 Robot components and functions in Play Part 1. In the Mid-Play Break, students are guided to use appropriate terminology to describe the functions of the 123 Robot. In Play Part 2, students continue to develop familiarity with appropriate terminology for the robot’s components through guided inquiry in a class discussion.

In Lab 2, students apply correct terminology as they participate in role-play to collectively establish Robot Rules and best practices in the Engage section. In Play Part 1, students are encouraged to use part names in a collaborative discussion designed to establish ground rules for working with the 123 Robot. Students have additional opportunities to use appropriate terminology for problem solving scenarios in the Mid-Play Break. Students will continue to be encouraged to use appropriate terminology during class discussions in Play Part 2 and the Share section.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.

How Standard is Achieved: During Play Part 2 sections in both Labs, the students will engage in discussions such as “look, listen, and see” and “what if.” During these discussions, the teacher will prompt the students by asking questions such as, “what do you think this does?” while pointing to certain buttons or other features of the 123 Robot or, “what if we programmed the 123 Robot to drive without stopping on a desk?” Students will use spatial reasoning skills to mentally map how the 123 Robot would move, and will need to use directional words as they explain how they think the 123 Robot will behave.

< Return to Labs Next >