Robots are Changing the World
By:  Angela Ernstes

Project at a Glance :

This project is for fifth grade STEAM.  Students will learn about some relevant problems that robots could solve or have solved, they will be introduced to some basic types of robots through research, and then will build and program a robot to solve a real and relevant problem.  It focuses on a variety of engineering standards, as well as some computer science standards. 
 
Driving Question:

How can we build a robot that will combat pollution in Michigan?             

Standards:

• Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a 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.
• Research on a problem should be carried out before beginning to design a solution.

​Team / Culture Building:

• Building Wind Powered Racers ​
• Professionals MFP Automation Engineering and JR Automation visit Georgetown Middle School.

Visit from MFP Automation Engineering

Visit from JR Automation

Stakeholders:

• Students - primary creators
• Family and community members - interested in how children are learning about environmental issues and technology, as well as student innovation 
• Engineering professionals and other sponsors - those who mentored the students along the way and provided incentives to students.​​​

Inquiry / Need to Knows:

• Draw the Problem protocol 
• Designing Prototypes​

• Research (robotsguide.com)

Incubation:

• Think and Sketch activity
• Building Activity​​

Checking in:

• Pluses & Deltas

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Solution Building:

• Elevator Pitch
• NUF Test

Critique and Revision: 

• ​Critical Friends

Authentic Audience:

• Classmates​
• Professionals from JR Automation and MFP Automation 
  

 Final Presentation:

• Students will build and program a model robot, along with a representation of the robot in its authentic environment (ex: if the robot is solving a beach pollution problem, they will design a model beach with model trash.  EX: if the robot is solving a health care support issue, they might create a model nursing home or hospital).

Click here for teacher's full plan.

​Reflection and Feedback:

• Students used the NUF Test and Critical Friends rubric for feedback.

Click here for the teacher's Journey through PBL on Padlet . . .

Meet the Educator:

Angela Ernstes teaches 5th and 6th grade STEAM at the 5/6 Buidling @ Georgetown, Hudsonville Public Schools.


     "The first time a student asks “Why do I need to know this?” and you don’t have a good answer, you panic!  PBL is the way to navigate this.  When students are faced with a problem that is real and relevant, they are able to answer that question for themselves.  They dive deeper into the learning and it becomes a memorable experience instead of something they “just have to do.”