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Part 1 - Step by Step

  1. InstructInstruct each group to take a break and pause their building here, and think about the first part of the build as it relates to a human arm.

    A side by side image showing a close up view of the shoulder and arm of a woman facing away from the camera making a muscle, beside the mobile part of the robot arm that was constructed in the Engage section for comparison.
    What part of the arm do you think you've just built?

     

  2. ModelModel using a group’s setup, how the first part of the build resembles the function of the elbow (moving side to side). Then ask and discuss what part of the Robot Arm build is missing (the “hand” and the “wrist”). Watch the video below to see how the arm moves.
  3. FacilitateFacilitate the building process to complete the build, by following Steps 29-60. Ask questions as students are building to prompt their thinking about the movement and construction of the Robot Arm, such as:

    A close up view of a student building with VEX GO pieces.
    Complete the Build
    • What part of the arm do you think you are building?
    • What kind of movement do you think this part of the arm will do?
    • How do you think you will control the movement of the arm?
  4. RemindRemind groups that it is ok to switch roles at this point since this Lab has so much building. Journalists should help ensure that pieces are oriented correctly, and match the build instructions for each step before moving on to the next step
  5. AskAsk students about the challenges they are facing with this build, and what they could practice to help make future building go more smoothly. What strategies are they learning as they build?

Mid-Play Break & Group Discussion

As soon as every group has accomplished building the Robot Arm, come together for a brief conversation.

  • How does your Robot Arm move?
  • What do you think you could do with the finished Robot Arm? What could it be used for?

Part 2 - Step by Step

  1. InstructInstruct each group that they are now going to experiment with the movement of the Robot Arm, to pick up a disk and move it to another place on the tile. As they figure out how to do this, the Journalist in each group should write down the steps needed to successfully move a disk.

    VEX GO Robot Arm, showing the completed build from the side, with a Disk attached to the magnet on the arm.
    How does the Robot Arm work?

     

  2. ModelModel using a group’s setup, how to use the Robot Arm. Watch the video below to see how the Robot Arm moves.
    • Demonstrate and explain how to turn the knob to move the magnet up and down, and move the back beams to turn the arm from side to side.
    • Pick up a disk with the magnet and move it.
    • Then, to recap, break down the first few steps together with the students.
    • Ensure that students are clear on what the goal for this activity is.
  3. FacilitateFacilitate students’ decomposition by asking questions such as:

    Sketch of two students working side by side to move the Robot Arm and write notes about how it moves.
    Test out the Robot Arm!
    • If I had never seen this Robot Arm before, would that step be specific enough?
    • How many degrees do you think you need to turn?
    • Which direction are you moving the Robot Arm? Is that the same direction you are turning the knob?
  4. RemindRemind groups to take turns moving the Robot Arm as they are trying to define their steps. Each student may have a different perspective, and when put together, can help their directions become more specific.
  5. AskAsk students questions about how the function of the Robot Arm is connected to its movement. How many different parts have to work together to complete one simple task?
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