ROBOT POETRY
English Language Arts
Grades 4-12
INSIDE THIS LESSON:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ROBOT POETRY SUBJECT: ELA
GRADE: 4th-12th
OVERVIEW
Students will connect to the Global Goals and find what resonates with them personally, write a poem about their experience, then create a piece of robotic art in response.
ADAPTATIONS
This teaching flow could be used in any Writing or Ecology-focused classroom, for students in grades 4-12.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
SESSION 1
�Option 1: Students choose a poem
Option 2: Students write a poem�
Offline - 45 min
SESSIONS 2 -3
Students learn to code with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit while planning the artistic and robotic components of their projects
Offline - 60 min, 1-3 sessions
HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT MAP
SESSION 4-6
Students learn to code & begin
to build their physical robot
Online - 60 min, 1-3 sessions
SESSION 7
Project showcase��Offline - 60 min
STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
Common Core: English Language Arts
This project offers a way for students to research and create a summarizing paragraph using informational texts, and to create their own original work. . It also provides opportunities for students to present their research and writing to an authentic audience. This project meets multiple standards from the Common Core English Language Arts Standards, including Reading: Informational Text, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language (as well as multiple strands within each standard). Visit this page for a more detailed explanation of how working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit applies to meeting ELA Standards.
Common Core: Math
Working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit provides myriad opportunities for students to meet multiple Common Core Math standards across grade levels. Additionally, this project meets multiple strands within each standard. Visit this page for a more detailed explanation of how working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit applies to meeting Math Standards.
Computer Science Teachers’ Association (CSTA)
CSTA Standards are split into different grade levels: 3-5, 6-8, and 9-10. Working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit meets multiple standards across these grade level delegations. Visit this page for a more detailed explanation of how working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit applies to meeting CSTA Standards.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
The NGSS call for a three-dimensional approach to K–12 science instruction. Each standard involves the three dimensions of science learning: Crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas. Visit this page for a more detailed explanation of how working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit applies to meeting NGSS Standards.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Computer science and engineering with the Hummingbird can be used to meet all of the ISTE standards. The six standards describe general skills that students should exhibit in age-appropriate ways as they use technology. Visit this page for a more detailed explanation of how working with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit applies to meeting ISTE Standards.
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SESSION 1
Option 1: Student choose a poem
DESCRIPTION: Students choose a poem and analyze it to find verbs, color words, and emotion words. Those elements inspire the design of the robot’s movement and ‘look.’
OFFLINE
No technology necessary
TIME: 60 min
LEARNING GOAL:
Students will select and analyze a poem.
Break into groups of 2-5 students. Each group selects a poem. Consider providing authors, poetry collections, or a list of poems to choose from based on your classroom goals.�
In groups, students read the poem to themselves or aloud. Next, students take note of the following elements:
Students discuss and draw ideas about how to display their poem as a scene/diorama. Students do not need to be “good drawers” to make a good drawing of the project! A good drawing has information about the project such as:
SESSION 1
Option 2: Students write a poem
DESCRIPTION: Students consider a topic, work of art, or other theme presented by the teacher Students consider their reaction to this topic, how it makes them feel, what it makes them think or wonder, and write a poem.
OFFLINE
No technology necessary
TIME: 60 min
LEARNING GOAL:
Students will write a poem about their personal experience with a given topic.
Present the work of art, poem, or topic that you would like to use to inspire student poetry. Provide ample time for students to experience and interact with the topic (for example: listening to a poem read aloud, reading silently from their own copy, doodling thoughts and feelings on the poem, etc). Encourage students to use descriptive words engaging their 5 senses, and verbs (action words). Be sure to to provide opportunities for students to process multiple ways: out loud with a group, through writing, through art, during silent reflection, set to music, etc.
Students write a poem, individually or together, based on their personal connection to the chosen topic. Allow plenty of time. Consider making this an overnight assignment. Choose to ask students to follow a particular poetic form or let it be free verse. Encourage students find inspiration in their reflections using their senses and action words. This will translate well into a robot project.
Ask students to share their poems in small groups and offer positive feedback. Examples of feedback: “I really like the line…”, “This poem makes me think of…”, or “This poem makes me feel…”.
SESSIONS 2 - 3
Students learn to code with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit as they design and plan their project
DESCRIPTION: Students will learn to code the basics of a Hummingbird Robotics Kit (lights, motors, and sensors), and complete the My Robot Design notebook. They will create a plan and prototype of their project.
ONLINE
Students will need Hummingbird Robotics Kits and programming devices
TIME: 2+ class periods
LEARNING GOAL:
Students will learn to use the LEDs, motors, and sensors of their Hummingbird Robotics Kits. Students will incorporate robotic and programming elements into their developing plans and prototypes. Students will begin building and coding their Robot Poetry projects.
RESOURCES:
BirdBrain website learning portal, My Robot Design Notebook document
Break into groups of 2-3 students. Each group will make one Robot Poetry project, bringing their poem to life with lights, motors, and sensors. Students may combine their poems, or choose just one to animate. Introduce the criteria and constraints of the Robot Poetry project to students. Use or modify the chart below, or create your own. Consider displaying these for reference throughout the project.
(continued on next page)
CRITERIA (things your project must do) | CONSTRAINTS (limits on your project) |
|
|
SESSIONS 2 - 3, continued
Students learn to code with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit as they design and plan their project
DESCRIPTION: Students will learn to code the basics of a Hummingbird Robotics Kit (lights, motors, and sensors), and complete the My Robot Design notebook. They will create a plan and prototype of their project.
ONLINE
Students will need Hummingbird Robotics Kits and programming devices
TIME: 2+ class periods
LEARNING GOAL:
Students will learn to use the LEDs, motors, and sensors of their Hummingbird Robotics Kits. Students will incorporate robotic and programming elements into their developing plans and prototypes. Students will begin building and coding their Robot Poetry projects.
RESOURCES:
BirdBrain website learning portal, My Robot Design Notebook document
f. Work through the position servo (you may also work
through the rotation servo now, if you would like). Pause as a class and make your way through the servo page of the My Robot Design notebook.
g. Select at least one sensor tutorial to begin: light, distance,
sound, or dial. Work through the sensor tutorial(s). Pause as a class and make your way through the sensor page of the My Robot Design Notebook.
4. Create 2D My Robot Design notebook plan (25-35 minutes)
Optional step: Create a “looks-like” prototype
Some students may find it helpful to create a 3D
prototype of their Robot Poetry project from craft materials.
If you would like to incorporate this step, our Rapid Prototyping Activity may be a helpful resource.
5. Begin building and coding projects (remaining time)
What students start today, they can finish in subsequent sessions as they build and program. We recommend 1-3 additional sessions.
SESSIONS 4 - 5
Continue Coding and Building
DESCRIPTION: Students will work in small groups to code and build their Robotic Poetry projects based on the given criteria and constraints.. Building and coding their projects will require 1-3 class periods.
ONLINE
Students will need Hummingbird Robotics Kits and programming devices
TIME: 2-4 class periods
LEARNING GOALS & PROOF:
- Students will learn to use the LEDs, motors, and sensors of their Hummingbird Robotics Kits
- Students will incorporate robotic and programming elements into their prototypes
-Students will begin building and coding their Robot Poetry projects
- Students will need 1-3 extra sessions/hours to complete their projects
Work days for building and coding will likely not follow a specific schedule. Instead, student groups will work at their own pace, checking in with teachers and asking for assistance when needed. Here a few helpful tips to make work days more successful and enjoyable for students:
Reintroduce Each Session
Have the chosen topic and project guidelines available and on display each work session. One example:
Have BirdBrain Programming Portal tutorials on standby
Students will need reminders and assistance troubleshooting, especially those new to robotics and programming. Have tutorials ready.
Normalize iteration, troubleshooting, and frustration
These critical components of the building and programming process can sometimes be new and frustrating for students. Proactively introduce each concept to set students up for success.
Empower students to take control and work independently
Students should push themselves out of their comfort zones with collaboration, problem solving, and giving and receiving feedback. This project is designed to be student-centered. Teachers should be ready to give assistance when asked, but should otherwise stand back and observe.
CRITERIA (things your project must do) | CONSTRAINTS (limits on your project) |
-Use at least 1 LED, 1 motor, and 1 sensor -Bring to life some imagery or emotion from your poem. | -__ class periods to build and program (1-3 ideal) -Must be able to be transported to another space for display. |
SESSION 7
Showcase Projects
OFFLINE
Students will need whatever technology is necessary to run their project programs.
TIME: 60 minutes
LEARNING GOALS & PROOF:
Students will share their projects with an audience, and reflect on their experience.
SHOWCASE IDEAS:
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Optional step: Student Self-Reflection
Consider using the questions from the BirdBrain Reflection and Self-Assessment Question documents (here for grades 3-5, here for grades 6+), and make a copy which can be customized to meet your specific needs
DESCRIPTION: Once students have finished coding and building their projects, you may choose to display their projects for a variety of audiences.
COMMON MODIFICATIONS
SHORT ON TIME?
SHORT ON EQUIPMENT?
TEACHING REMOTELY?
NEED MORE DIFFERENTIATION?
NEED MORE EXTENSION?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS A ROBOT?
ONLINE RESOURCES
CONTACTS
BirdBrain Technologies