SPACEbotics | STEMbotics

SPACEbotics is a unique lesson plan that takes us into outer space. Constructing and then programming futuristic robot models is a great introduction to physics and astronomy.

Each lesson is taught by a STEMbotics’s instructor. The curriculum is designed to inspire and teach. Using pictures, movies and animations instructors will spark energetic discussion about the working principles and inspiration behind the coding design.

STEMbotics instructors will provide an overview of each project and provide 1:1 assistance as needed.

Students will design, program and automate their robotic creations. Students will use LEGO Education Programming.

AT-ST WALKER

This walking robot uses a proximity sensor to detect any obstacles or chasms on its way and will stop moving upon detecting such a danger. The robot is powered by a special crankshaft that slowly puts one leg in front of the other. AT-ST is stable at all times because of the unique way it lays its ’feet’ on the ground. Playing with this robot is a great opportunity to talk about different ways in which robots move and about how the world of science fiction inspire modern engineers and designers.

DROID

This simple robot waves to anyone that would like to meet him. When the motion sensor on its head detects movement, our droid runs the program that puts his hand in motion. During this exercise we talk about the development of humanoid robots, artificial intelligence and advantages of using it.

ROBOTIC ARM

This clever construction is used to transport a small object from one place to another with great precision. Its is operated both by keyboard and manual crank and it allows students to feel like real scientists, working in a high-tech laboratory, or astronauts, handling unknown objects on another planet. While playing with the robotic arm, children are taught how manipulators are being used in different fields of science, industrial applications and even zero-gravity conditions.

MARS ROVER

The model of the mars rover was inspired by the famous “Curiosity” rover. Just like the real vehicle, our model made from LEGO WeDo stands on six independent wheels. Its movement is very slow but, at the same time, very accurate. Apart from that the rover is also equipped with a rotating camera and a sensor mounted on the end of an adjustable arm. Thanks to the movable joints, the placing of the sensor can be easily changed. This model is a great opportunity to talk about the fascinating mission of investigating Mars’ surface, in which “Curiosity”

SATELLITE

Robot consists of a rotating base and a column with two models atop of it: a satellite and a space shuttle. Motion sensor in the base controls the speed of their rotation. During this exercise we often talk about our activity on Earth’s orbit.

ASTRONOMICAL MODEL

This unusual robot is composed of an intricate set of gears, and models of Sun, Earth and Moon, represented by bricks of different size. When the motor is turned on, our celestial bodies start orbiting, just like their astronomical counterparts. Motion sensor is used to count the number of rotations around the “sun”. Astronomical model is very helpful in describing how the movement of celestial bodies is used to measure time.

SPACE BATTLE

Space battle is a model, which brings star-fighter chases from the scenes of sci-fi films to our desks. Star-fighter models resemble those known from the legendary „Star Wars” saga and the outcome of the chase is always unpredictable. This is possible thanks to the program that picks the time of motor’s rotation duration randomly. „Space battle” also gives us a good start to talk about some inaccuracies, sometimes even mistaken as facts, pictured in the sci-fi films.

SPACEbotics is a unique lesson plan that takes us into outer space. Constructing and then programming futuristic robot models is a great introduction to physics and astronomy.

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