2 of 10

Robot Run: The Maze of Measurement

A 6th Grade STEM Lesson

David Langen

1/15/2024

3 of 10

Notes for Teachers

This lesson assumes students are comfortable in programing drive commands in EdScratch. For example, they should be able to complete lesson U2-1.3 on page 43 here EdScratch student lesson activities
Students should work in groups of 2 to 4 to complete this activity.
This lesson is designed for two class periods of approximately 50 minutes each. However, it can be lengthened by providing a more complicated maze.
Edison robots are not perfect when driving and turning. Students will find that their robot may have some error in how it moves. Use this to spark class discussions about manufacturing processes, tolerances and specifications.

List of Materials

Computers with Access to EdScratch
Edison Robots with batteries and EdCom cables
Rulers and protractors
Scissors
Cardboard
Masking tape
Engineering journal/Interactive notebook and pencils

4 of 10

Standards

Computer Science Standard

CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) Standard 1A-AP-10: Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
CSTA Standard 1B-AP-12: Develop and debug programs that combine control structures, including nested loops and compound conditionals.

Engineering Standard https://www.azed.gov/cte/es

Standard 2.0 Create Engineering Solutions by Applying a Structured Problem-Solving/Decision-Making Process:

2.1 Identify the problem.
2.4 Select the best solution within the constraints and criteria.
2.5 Develop a prototype or model to test the selected solution.

Standard 3.0 Apply Mathematical Laws and Principles Relevant to Engineering Technology:

3.1 Use basic mathematical functions and tools.
Use English and Metric systems of measurement.

Math Standard

6.RP.A.3 d . Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities.

5 of 10

Objectives:

To understand the concept of scale modeling and apply measurement skills in a real-world context.

Apply measurement data to program the robots' movements and develop problem-solving skills through trial and error.

6 of 10

Agenda

Ahead of time: Setup

Create multiple mazes on the floor of your classroom. They can be constructed of cardboard for walls or you can just lay masking tape on the floors. The more turns the longer it will take students to complete the project. Turns other than 90 degrees will also add complexity.

Day 1: Maze Measurement and Scale Modeling

Activity: Students will measure the lengths and angles of a cardboard maze using rulers and protractors.
Task: Recreate the maze in their notebooks using a 1 foot to 1 inch scale, ensuring accurate proportional representation.

Day 2: Edison Robot Programming

Activity: Students will program their Edison robots to navigate the recreated maze in their notebooks.
Task: Test and refine the robot programs to successfully navigate the maze within the scale model.

7 of 10

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

"How can we use measurement and robotics to navigate the maze and bring our scale model to life?"

8 of 10

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students should be in small groups of 2-4.
Day 1

Students will work in groups to measure the lengths and angles of their assigned maze.
They will recreate the maze in their engineering journal using a ratio of 1 foot to 1 inch.

Day 2

Students will code their Edison robots to travel through the maze using the information they collected.
End class with a discussion about any struggles students had in completing the maze.
Exit ticket: Students write one question in their engineering journal that they have about their robots based on today’s activity.

9 of 10

Assessment

Maze Scale Model Accuracy: Assess students' ability to accurately recreate the maze in their notebooks using the 1 foot to 1 inch scale. Check for proportional representation and accuracy in measurements.
Measurement Skills: Evaluate students' measurement skills by reviewing their recorded lengths and angles of the maze. Look for accuracy, appropriate use of tools, and clear documentation.
Robot Programming Proficiency: Assess students' ability to program the Edison robots to navigate the maze. Evaluate their use of measurement data to inform the robot's movements.
Problem-Solving and Iterative Process: Observe students as they test and refine their robot programs. Assess their ability to troubleshoot and make adjustments based on trial and error, demonstrating persistence and adaptability.
Communication and Collaboration: Evaluate students' ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with their peers during the maze measurement and robot programming tasks.

10 of 10

Differentiation

By having mazes with different difficulty levels, you can give higher achieving groups a more difficult maze than other groups.

Provide key vocabulary and concepts with images.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students can go on and explore using the obstacle detection beam to navigate the maze. They can then analyze what is different about programming based on known quantities verses sensor input.