National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Using Robotics
LESSON THEME This lesson includes a series of activities that are based on robotics applications. OBJECTIVES Students will Simulate operating a planetary rover

NASA SUMMER OF INNOVATION

and problem solve solutions Work within a mission team setting to problem solve and accomplish a common goal Research examples of real-world applications of robotics

Complexity: Moderate

NATIONAL STANDARDS National Science Education Standards (NSTA)

Science as Inquiry Understanding of scientific concepts An appreciation of how we know what we know in science Understanding of the nature of science Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world The dispositions to use the skills, abilities, and attitudes associated with science Science and Technology Standards Abilities of technological design Understanding about science and technology Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Personal health Risks and benefits Science and technology in society History and Nature of Science Science as a human endeavor Nature of scientific knowledge Historical perspectives
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students

Creativity and Innovation Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues Identify trends and forecast possibilities

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Communication and Collaboration Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions

MANAGEMENT Model for students how to use the different tools (stopwatches, meter sticks, compass, calculators). Demonstrate how to use the computer virtual program. CONTENT RESEARCH The following link provides additional resources for teachers and students and is not necessarily a NASA resource but rather private industry, colleges, universities and organization that have taken an interest in one form or another in robotics, robotics competition, teaching, and design. Please review content from the following resource: http://robotics.nasa.gov/edu/6-8.php Artificial Intelligence Todays robots have multiple sensors and are able to make their own decisions based on given information. Robots come in all shapes and sizes. Artificial intelligence allows robots to behave more like humans and to act independently in a changing environment. LESSON ACTIVITIES Robotic Online Virtual Exploration Rover To program the rover using a series of commands to avoid obstacles and reach a target destination before battery power runs out. http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/robotics/home/ROVER.html Out of Sight Activity To operate a robotic vehicle while it is not directly in view of the driver or operations team. www.nasa.gov/pdf/392973main_Out_of_Sight_Activity.pdf

MATERIALS Narrow rubberbands Drinking straws Cardboard Scissors Nylon cord Centimeter ruler Pencils Drawing compass Tape Glue Markers Crayons Colored pencils Pen 6 ounce Styrofoam coffee cups (2 each) 12-cm pieces string (1 each) Cellophane tape Plastic picnic knives (serrated)

Rover Races To have the rover driver design and execute a series of commands that will guide a human rover through a simulated Martian surface, allowing the rover team to experience some of the challenges of teleoperating a robotic vehicle on another planet. www.nasa.gov/pdf/392975main_Rover_Races_Activity.pdf

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Station Robotic Arm: Canada contributed an essential component of the International Space Station, the Mobile Servicing System. This robotic system plays a key role in space station assembly and maintenance: moving equipment and supplies around the station, supporting astronauts working in space, and servicing instruments and other payloads attached to the space station. Astronauts receive robotics training to enable them to perform these functions with the arm. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/mss.html Robonaut 2: Latest generation of the Robonaut astronaut helpers, launched to the space station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS133 mission in 2011. It is the first humanoid robot in space, and although its primary job for now is teaching engineers how dexterous robots behave in space, the hope is that through upgrades and advancements, it could one day venture outside the station to help spacewalkers make repairs or additions to the station or perform scientific work. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/robonaut.html Mars Science Laboratory: Unmanned robotic rover designed to land on Mars and assess whether Mars ever was, or is still today, an environment able to support microbial life to determine the planet's habitability. The rover, named Curiosity, is about the size of a small sport-utility vehicle. It will carry an advanced suite of instruments to study Martian terrain and soil. http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/profile.cfm?MCode=MarsSciLab Curiosity Robot Cam: Curiosity Cam takes you inside the clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, so you can watch the next Mars rover being built. The camera may be turned off periodically for maintenance. The rover may occasionally be out of view as it is moved around the clean room. When Curiosity Cam is off air, you will see a slideshow of Mars and rover images. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/building_curiosity.html NASA Robotics: Find out how NASA plans to create a human, technical, and programmatic resource of robotics capabilities to enable the implementation of future robotic space exploration missions. http://robotics.nasa.gov/ eClips: Real World: Robotic Arm; Real World: TriATHLETEThe Engineering Design Process in Action; NASA 360 Mind Body Connection. http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/nasaeclips/search.html?terms=robotics Athena: Designed for the Mars Explorer Rover Mission launched in 2003. These rovers are even smarter and bigger rovers! This "super-rover" will be much like a roving geologist on Mars. http://athena.cornell.edu/ LAPIS: Originated as an educational program designed to involve school students in testing the Mars Sample Return prototype rover, FIDO. Lapis is a blue stone first mined in Afghanistan in 4000 BC and believed to give good judgement. http://wufs.wustl.edu/lapis2/ DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Ask the students to share their tables and discuss the outcomes. Answer will vary. Instruct students to search for other NASA missions utilizing robots, here on Earth or elsewhere. Answers will vary. What do you think would be the hardest challenge about driving a remote vehicle on another planet? Energy source, controlling the vehicle, and getting the vehicle there. What changes could you have made that would have given you better results? Improve on calibrating tools, have a better control, have more trial and take the average.

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ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES Review the tables or charts created by your students. ENRICHMENT Students can enter FIRST LEGO Robotics Competitions: http://robotics.arc.nasa.gov/events/2011_sponsorship.php NASA Robotics: http://robotics.nasa.gov/students/sumo.php Robotics Summer Camps: http://robotics.nasa.gov/students/summer_camps.php NASAKSC Luna-Botics : http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/kennedy/technology/lunabotics.html

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