The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Exploring Science and Math with Dash the Robot

Exploring Science and Math with Dash the Robot

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A 3rd Grade STEM Lesson

Huda Clemens

06/02/2023

Notes for Teachers

This lesson will need to be taught in 4 sessions, 30-40 min each session.

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• You can download the Makewonder Dash app into your ipads ahead of time, or simply have the students code by going to code.makewonder.com

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• if students don’t have any background knowledge on robots, begin by emphasizing the importance of robotics education in preparing students for the future. Explain how robotics integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts, and how it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

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List of Materials

• Dash robot(s)
• Device(s) with Blockly or similar coding app installed
• Measuring tape or rulers
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Construction paper
• Pencils

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Arizona Science Standards - Core Ideas

Physical Science:

P3: Changing the movement of an object requires a net force to be acting on it.

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Arizona Math Standards

3.MD.A.1: Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes.

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3-5.1.c. Students, in collaboration with an educator, examine feedback from both people and the features embedded in digital tools, and use age appropriate technology to share learning.

3-5.1.d. Students explore age appropriate technologies and begin to transfer their learning to different tools or learning environments.

3-5.5.d. Students understand and explore basic concepts related to automation, patterns, and algorithmic thinking.

Arizona Education Technology Standards

Objective(s):

By the end of this lesson plan, students will be able to:

1. Students will understand and apply concepts of measurement, data collection, and analysis.
2. Students will explore scientific principles, including motion and forces, using the Dash robot.
3. Students will collaborate and engage in problem-solving activities using the Dash robot.

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Agenda

Duration: 3-4 class periods (can be adjusted based on classroom needs)

Before introducing this lesson, student need to have background knowledge on programing Dash to move.

Day 1: Introduction to Dash and Measurement (Length)

• Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a Dash robot and a measuring tape or ruler.
• Begin the lesson by introducing Dash the Robot to the students. Show them the robot and discuss its capabilities and features.
• give the students a few minutes to touch and explore Dash by passing him around at each table.
• Explain that Dash can help us explore concepts related to science and math.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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• Review the concept of measurement. Discuss the importance of accurate measurement in scientific investigations.
• Demonstrate how to use measuring tape or rulers to measure objects in the classroom. Show examples of measuring length, height, and width.
• Show Measuring with Dash video to teach students how to use the Dash robot to measure the length of objects by using blockly.
• Instruct the groups to measure different objects in the classroom using Dash and record their measurements on a chart paper.
• As a whole class, discuss the measurements recorded by each group and compare the findings.

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Day 2: Motion and Forces with Dash

1. Review the concepts of motion and forces. Discuss how Dash uses wheels and motors to move and change direction.
2. Explain that the students will be programming Dash to complete specific movements.
3. Demonstrate how to use the Blockly coding app (or similar) to program Dash's movements.
4. Engage the students in a guided activity where they program Dash to move forward, backward, turn left, and turn right. Allow students to take turns programming and operating Dash.
5. Discuss the scientific concepts of speed, distance, and time as they relate to Dash's movements.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

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Divide the class into small groups, and distribute materials to each group.

Brainstorm and Plan

Remind students that they will need to gather with their groups and brainstorm ideas on what their maze going to look like? what materials are they going to use etc. Once students have a plan they can move into the next step.

Design and Create: Instruct students to:

• Use the construction paper to create the various elements of your maze/obstacle course. You can design walls, tunnels, ramps, bridges, gates, or any other obstacles you can imagine. Feel free to cut and fold the paper to create three-dimensional structures.
• Use markers or colored pencils to add details and decorations to your course, making it visually appealing.

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Creating a construction paper course or maze for Dash not only challenges your engineering and programming skills but also encourages creativity and teamwork.

Materials

1. Construction paper in various colors
2. Scissors
3. Tape or glue
4. Markers or colored pencils
5. Ruler (optional)
6. Dash robot (or any programmable robot)

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Hands-On Activity

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Program Dash:

Once the students finish their maze/obstacle course, tell them that they now need to program Dash to navigate through it using blockly.

Student can either use the app or go to code.makerwonder.com

Reflection and Conclusion

• Gather the students and encourage them to share their observations and experiences from the activities.
• Discuss how science and math concepts were applied during the lesson.
• Emphasize the importance of using critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills when exploring scientific and mathematical concepts.

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Photo source: https://www.makewonder.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/08/1_BejAolqUIfJQ9RFDLjhoTw-768x768-1.png

Assessment

Assessment can be conducted through:

• Observations of student engagement and participation during the activities.
• Discussion-based assessments during the reflection and conclusion portion.
• Informal checks for understanding during programming and measurement exercises.
• Optional: Students can create short presentations or drawings highlighting what they learned during the lesson.

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Differentiation

• Show struggling students some example designs from the internet or a teacher made example.
• You can also have students use only painter’s tape to create a simple maze on the floor.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

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Learning Stations: Create different learning stations where students can engage with Dash and explore science and math concepts at their own pace. For example:

• Station 1: Basic programming commands with Dash.
• Station 2: Obstacle course challenge with increasing difficulty levels.
• Station 3: Measurement activity with various objects and different units of measurement.

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