Robot Buddies

Conditions for Creativity

Rationale

Learning about the design process encourages us to consider how we use objects in our lives and how we can select materials to design and build new objects.

Investigation Into

  • Writing and following instructions
  • Programming and robots
  • The properties of different materials
  • Designing and building new objects

Essential Questions

  • How can I write clear instructions?
  • What are the properties of different materials?
  • How can I design and build new objects?

Future Action

Your students will develop a curiosity about robots and programming. They will consider the purpose of different objects that they use in their everyday lives and how the objects have been designed and built. Your students will strive for accuracy when they are writing and drawing and providing instructions. They will be reminded to think creatively as they use their Creativity Journal.

Pretesting and Familiarisation (7 tasks)
The Concept of Creativity
Your students will consider ways that they can be creative in everyday scenarios.
 
Pretest
Your students will complete a pretest by using craft materials to build a model of a piece of food.
 
Immersion
Your students will be immersed into robots and consider if robots can think.
 
Introducing the Unit
Your students will learn about what they are going to do during this learning sequence.
 
Glossary of Creativity
Your students will learn the glossary of words used in this learning sequence.
 
Habit of Mind: Creating, Imagining and Innovating
Your students will practice the Habit of Mind 'Creating, Imagining and Innovating' as they make a paper hat.
 
Habit of Mind: Striving for Accuracy and Precision
Your students will practice the habit of 'Striving for Accuracy and Precision' by drawing an object in the classroom.
 
Learning Opportunities (17 tasks)
Designed to Solve a Problem
Your students will consider the problem a classroom object was designed to solve.
 
Shapes All Around
Your students will find an object in the schoolyard that has a shape in it.
 
Analysing Objects
Your students will work in groups to analyse the design process and materials used to build an object.
 
Designing a New and Improved Chair
Your students practice thinking creatively as they design a new and improved chair.
 
Creative Combinations
Your students will practice being creative by combining two objects together.
 
Analysing Materials
Your students will analyse a craft material and consider how it could be used to make something.
 
Writing Instructions
Your students will learn how to write step by step instructions to make something.
 
Three-dimensional Shapes
Your students will learn about three-dimensional shapes by finding examples in their classroom.
 
New Solutions to Old Problems
Your students will work in groups to consider new solutions to old problems.
 
Being a Programmer
Your students will learn about computer programs as they check and write a basic program.
 
Using BAR to Improve a Skateboard
Your students will practice being creative by using the BAR Key.
 
Imagining a Robot
Your students will work in groups to design their robot buddies.
 
Designing a Robot
Your students will draw a model of their robot and label the materials that they plan to use to build their robot.
 
Programming a Robot
Your students will program their robot to complete one of three tasks.
 
Improving a Robot
Your students will use the BAR Key to give and receive feedback about robot designs.
 
Building a Robot
Your students will work in groups to build their robot.
 
Advertising a Robot
Your students will make a poster advertising the name of their robot and three things that it can do.
 
Demonstration of Understanding (1 tasks)
Presenting a Robot
Your students will display their robot at the Creativity Expo.
 
Future Action (1 tasks)
Future Action
Your students will create a Creativity Journal to remind them of the important of practising being creative.