Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
ROBOTICS
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ROBOTICS
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Subject: Computing
Class: JHS 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 11
Grade code: B9.4.3.1.1
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: B9.4.3.1
Indicator code: B9.4.3.1.1
Theme: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
Subtheme: ROBOTICS
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This lesson introduces learners to the exciting world of robotics. We will move beyond seeing robots in movies and understand them as machines that can be built and programmed to solve real-world problems. In Ghana, we see robotics in action with Zipline drones delivering medical supplies, in automated factory processes, and in the potential for smart agriculture. Understanding the basics of how robots work, the rules that could govern them, and how to program them is a critical skill for the 21st century. This lesson provides the foundation for building and controlling our own simple robots.
Part 1: What is a Robot?
A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer— capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. It is more than a simple machine like a can opener because it can be programmed to make decisions based on its environment.
The main parts of a robot can be thought of like parts of a human body: Controller/Processor (The Brain): This is usually a small computer, like a microcontroller (e.g., an Arduino board or the core of an mBot). It receives information, processes it, and sends instructions to other parts. Sensors (The Senses): These are devices that gather information from the environment. Just like we use our eyes, ears, and sense of touch, a robot uses sensors. *Example:* An ultrasonic sensor uses sound waves to detect how far away an object is (like a bat uses echolocation). *Example:* A line-following sensor can detect a black line on a white surface, helping the robot follow a path. Actuators (The Muscles/Limbs): These are the parts that allow the robot to move or perform actions. *Example:* Motors are the most common actuators; they turn the wheels to make the robot move. *Example:* A robotic arm or gripper is an actuator that can pick things up. Power Source (The Food): This provides the electricity the robot needs to function. It is usually a battery pack. Chassis (The Skeleton): This is the body or frame of the robot that holds all the other parts together. Part 2: The Three Laws of Robotics (Asimov's Laws)
These are not real laws that robots today must follow, but they are a very important set of guiding principles from science fiction that help us think about robot safety and ethics. They were written by an author named Isaac Asimov.