Robots are only as smart as we make them

Newton Room: All

Level: P6 and P7 (Second level)

Duration: 4 hours

Description: Robots and Mathematics is a mathematics module with emphasis on mathematical discussions and exploration of strategies to calculate the perimeter of two-dimensional shapes. The students work in pairs throughout the day. 

Activity 1: Circumference of the wheel. Working in pairs, pupils calculate and test how far a robot will travel when programmed to rotate its wheels a certain number of times. They are asked to present their strategies to the other pupils.

Activity 2: LEGO-figure challenge. The pupils must decide what mathematical information they need in order to programme their robot to travel as close as possible to a LEGO-figure. They will be allowed 2 attempts at this challenge but may practice/test their programme at their workspace before each attempt. 

Activity 3: Travel the shape. Pupils will create a shape on the floor using tape and then calculate it’s perimeter. They will then use this information to programme their robot to drive along the sides of the shape before demonstrating it to the rest of the class.

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