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Patricia NewmanPatricia Newman
Sibert Honor Children's Book Author & Environmentalist
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    Friendly Robot - 6611016839_31497688d6_b

    LitLinks: How to transform a simple cardboard box into a robot

    March 30, 2022 LitLinks, LitLinks-Grade 3-5, LitLinks-Grade 6-8 No Comments
    LitLinks Logo-1 (2)

    GUEST BLOGGER KATHRYN HULICK


    Robots can vacuum floors, mow lawns, and even milk cows. But we don’t yet have one robot that can do any chore. And some chores, like folding and putting away laundry, are still too tough for robots. In this activity, students will imagine a future robot that could do any chore they want. Then, they’ll design and build a model of that robot. Finally, they’ll discuss the role of robots in society.

    Welcome to the future

    Your classroom can learn what’s coming in the future of robotics in the first chapter of Welcome to the Future: Robot friends, fusion energy, pet dinosaurs, and more by Kathryn Hulick and illustrated by Marcin Wolski (Quarto, 2021). Each chapter of this book explores how a different technology may transform the world in the future. Will we teleport from place to place, keep dinosaurs as pets, or 3D-print our dinner? Will we live on Mars or upload our brains to computers? Readers meet the scientists working to bring science fiction to life and delve deep into questions about right and wrong. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. How can we build the best possible future for everyone on Earth?

    Welcome-to-the-Future-cover
    Image credit: Marcin Wolski

    What do you want a robot to do for you?

    The book explores the idea that having robots do every job for us might not be a future we really want. I write, “Would you really enjoy a permanent vacation? Playing video games or hanging out with friends all day would be fun for a while. But eventually you’d likely start to get bored or even miserable. Human beings want to feel useful and successful.”

    With that idea in mind, students should think about what they want a household robot to do for them. They should also think about what they don’t want the robot to do because they enjoy doing those tasks themselves. You may ask them to make some sketches or plans. Then, either in the classroom or at home, they should build a robot model. Printable directions.

    Supplies

    • 1 small cardboard box
    • duct tape or a hot glue gun (ask an adult for help)
    • scissors
    • used, clean recyclables such as paper towel tubes, bottle caps, plastic cups, straws, etc.
    • Optional: pipe cleaners, buttons, or any other decorating supplies

    Directions

    1. Decide what job or jobs you want your robot to do for you. What sort of design will help it do those jobs? Will it have legs or wheels? How many arms does it need? Will it resemble a human or an animal or something else?
    2. Use the tape or glue to attach items to the box. Use the scissors to cut through the box to change the robot’s shape or poke things through the sides. Get creative!
    3. Give your robot a name.

    robot-sample-500
    My son designed this robot. He would like a robot to load and empty the dishwasher for him. He doesn’t want a robot to clean up his room, because he likes knowing where his things are.

    Class discussion guide

    During or after this activity, discuss the role of robots in society.

    Kathryn-meeting-Atlas-the-robot-during-an-interview
    I met Atlas the robot at WPI during my research for WELCOME TO THE FUTURE. With a person operating it via remote control, Atlas can open doors, climb a ladder, and drive a car.
    • What chores did you design your robot to perform? Why did you choose these chores?
    • What chores or tasks would you not want a robot to do for you? Why not?
    • What are some tasks that people might enjoy doing themselves? (Example: someone might enjoy walking the dog because they get exercise and like spending time with their pet.)
    • How do you think the world might be different if everyone had robot servants at home? What might be better in your life? What might be worse?
    • If robots did all the work for humans, then how would people earn money? Depending on the ages of your students, introduce the concept of a universal basic income (the government supplies everyone with money even if they don’t work) and discuss the pros and cons of this idea.
    • Talk about the fact that robots are expensive. Unequal access to computers and the internet is already a big problem. Why is it unfair if everyone can’t afford robots?
    •  Robots also consume a lot of energy. How might robots’ use of energy harm the planet? How can we design or use robots in ways that are environmentally conscious?

    Featured image credit: “Mimbo – A Friendly Robot” by langfordw is marked with CC BY 2.0.


    Kathryn-Hulick-headshot-square-500

    Kathryn Hulick is author of the book WELCOME TO THE FUTURE: Robot Friends, Fusion Energy, Pet Dinosaurs, and More (Quarto, 2021). She writes regularly for Science News for Students and Muse magazine. She has also published numerous educational nonfiction books on topics such as video games, artificial intelligence, energy technology and dinosaurs. In addition to writing, Hulick enjoys hiking, painting, reading, and caring for her numerous house plants. Hulick lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son and dog. You can reach her at http://kathrynhulick.com/ on Twitter @khulick and on Instagram or TikTok @kathryn_hulick


    Click for more LITLINKS STEM + Literacy activities

    Tags: STEM+LiteracySTEM+Literacy Physical Science
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    • Home
    • Books
      • Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger
      • Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea
      • A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
      • Planet Ocean
      • Eavesdropping on Elephants
      • Neema’s Reason To Smile
      • Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
      • Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
      • Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
      • Ebola: Fears and Facts
      • Jingle the Brass
      • Nugget on the Flight Deck
      • Surviving Animal Attacks
      • Elite Operations series
      • Energy Lab series
      • QuickReads Fluency Library
      • Books for English language-learners
      • Writers write all kinds of things
    • Author Visit Programs
      • FAQs
      • Calendar
    • Blog
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      • STEM + Literacy Activities
      • Teacher Guides
      • Earth Day Every Day newsletter archive
      • LitLinks
      • KidLit creators who make kids want to read
    • Writer Resources
      • Writing Classes
      • Manuscript or Proposal Critiques
      • How I got my start
    • Who is Patricia Newman?
    • Contact
      • Stay In Touch
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