Quick Look
Grade Level: 6 (5-8)
Time Required: 30 minutes
Expendable Cost/Group: US $0.00 This activity requires non-expendable (reusable) LEGO MINDSTORMS® robots, software and sensors; see the Materials List for details.
Group Size: 3
Activity Dependency:
Subject Areas: Biology, Life Science, Science and Technology
NGSS Performance Expectations:
| MS-ETS1-2 |
| MS-ETS1-4 |
| MS-LS1-8 |
Quick Look 
- Grade Level:
- 6 (5 – 8)
- Time Required:
- 30 minutes
- Group Size:
- 3
- Subject Areas:
-
Biology Life Science Science and Technology -
NGSS Performance Expectations:
MS-ETS1-2 MS-ETS1-4 MS-LS1-8
Summary
With the challenge to program computers to mimic the human reaction after touching a hot object, students program LEGO® robots to "react" and move back quickly once their touch sensors bump into something. By relating human senses to electronic sensors used in robots, students see the similarities between the human brain and its engineering counterpart, the computer, and come to better understand the functioning of sensors in both applications. They apply an understanding of the human "stimulus-sensor-coordinator-effector-response" framework to logically understand human and robot actions.Engineering Connection
Biological engineers and neuroscientists perceive the human body as a functioning, controlled system, similar to a robot. Engineers who design robots apply mathematical principles similar to those used in human brains and systems to the creation of smarter computers and sensors. Some engineers study how pressure sensors in human fingers help you pick up a glass without breaking it, and use that information to design better touch sensors for robots so that they can pick up objects in a similar manner. Other engineers research how the human eye works so that they can design cameras with higher performance and speed.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how human senses and the brain interact to accomplish a task.
- Describe how electronic sensors interact with a robot to accomplish a task.
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria. Alignment agreement: | There are systematic processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem. Alignment agreement: | |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Develop a model to generate data to test ideas about designed systems, including those representing inputs and outputs. Alignment agreement: | Models of all kinds are important for testing solutions. Alignment agreement: The iterative process of testing the most promising solutions and modifying what is proposed on the basis of the test results leads to greater refinement and ultimately to an optimal solution.Alignment agreement: | |
| NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MS-LS1-8. Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
||
| Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
| This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
| Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
| Gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication and methods used, and describe how they are supported or not supported by evidence. Alignment agreement: | Each sense receptor responds to different inputs (electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories. Alignment agreement: | Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural systems. Alignment agreement: |
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
-
Explain how knowledge gained from other content areas affects the development of technological products and systems.
(Grades
6 -
8)
More Details
Do you agree with this alignment?
State Standards
Missouri - Science
-
Describe how new technologies have helped scientists make better observations and measurements for investigations (e.g., telescopes, electronic balances, electronic microscopes, x-ray technology, computers, ultrasounds, computer probes such as thermometers)
(Grade
5)
More Details
Do you agree with this alignment?
-
Explain the interactions between the nervous and muscular systems when an organism responds to a stimulus
(Grade
8)
More Details
Do you agree with this alignment?
Materials List
Each group needs:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot, such as EV3 Core Set (5003400) at https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-mindstorms-education-ev3-core-set/5003400#lego-mindstorms-education-ev3
- LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Software 1.2.1, free online, you have to register a LEGO account first; at https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/downloads/download-software
- computer, loaded with EV3 1.2.1 software
To share with the entire class:
- computer and projector to show the That's Hot! Presentation to the class
Note: This activity can also be conducted with the older (and no longer sold) LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set instead of EV3; see below for those supplies:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot, such as the NXT Base Set
- computer, loaded with NXT 2.1 software
Worksheets and Attachments
Visit [www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/umo_ourbodies_lesson01_activity1] to print or download.Pre-Req Knowledge
- We suggest students complete the previous unit in the series, Humans Are Like Robots, prior to starting this activity.
- Ability to operate a personal computer and a LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot.
- Familiarity with graphical programming on the LEGO MINDSTOMRS EV3 TaskBot
Introduction/Motivation
Your brain is like a computer that controls lots of your body functions such as walking and talking—and so much more! And, your brain works fast! What happens if you get too close to a hot burner or a hot fire? (Listen to student responses.) That's right; your quick reaction is to pull back your hand. What goes on in the human body to create that response? (See if students remember what they learned in the associated lesson.)
Moving our hands away from hot objects can be understood through a framework we call the "stimulus-sensor-coordinator-effector-response." Thinking of these steps, what happens when you touch something hot? (Listen to student answers.) The stimulus is touch, the sensor is the temperature/pain receptor on your finger that senses it and relays it to the nervous system (spinal cord and brain), which is the coordinator. The coordinator makes the decision of how to react, and then commands the hand muscles (acting as the effector) to jerk back quickly. The framework takes us through the entire process, from stimulus (touch) to response (hand movement).
If brains are like computers, do you think a computer, maybe a robot, could mimic this human response? In today's activity you will find out. Your engineering challenge is to program a LEGO EV3 robot with a touch sensor to "move back quickly"—a reflex action—when the touch sensor "bumps" into something in front of the robot. Let's get started.
Procedure
Before the Activity
- Gather materials.
- Work with interested students to put together the TaskBots (takes about 45 minutes per bot) using LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 core sets as described in the LEGO TaskBot Building Instructions.
- Refer to the LEGO Instructions to Attach Sensors to EV3 Robots to attach the sensors (color, touch, sound, ultrasonic) to the TaskBots.
- Become familiar with the entire program and run it successfully before conducting the activity with the students. The solution program is provided for the teacher on slides 5-9 in the attached PowerPoint file.
- Be ready to show slides from the That's Hot! Presentation PowerPoint file to the class.
With the Students
- Divide the class into groups of two or three students each.
- Have each group assemble with a LEGO EV3 robot, sensors and computer.
- Introduce the engineering challenge (see slide 2): Program your TaskBot to mimic the human reaction when touching a hot object. So, program your TaskBot using a touch sensor so that it withdraws quickly when the sensor touches something in front of it.
- What happens when you touch something hot? Let's apply what we know about how the human brain/nervous system/senses work to help us think through the logic of the programming (see slide 3). Suggest that students begin the challenge by writing down the actions of the robot using the stimulus-to-response framework. Then they should plan out how to structure the program.
- Show student the rubric that will be used to evaluate each group's achievement (slide 4).
- When teams are done programming, testing and revising for improvement, have each demonstrate its programming in front of the rest of the class, grading to the rubric criteria.
- Conclude with a class discussion to share what students learned about programming principles, and their experiences, especially any difficulties encountered.
Vocabulary/Definitions
brain: An organ of the central nervous system located in the head, consisting of soft, lumpy gray matter and serving to control and coordinate the body's mental and physical actions.
computer: A human-created electronic device that processes data, performs mathematical and logical calculations, displays graphics, and helps you connect to the internet.
robot: A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance.
sensor: A device that converts one type of signal to another. For instance, a tachometer displays the speed that your car is traveling.
stimulus: Something that causes a response.
Assessment
Embedded Assessment: Expect students to be able to come up with the logic for a program to mimic the reflex action of a hand when it touches a hot object, and then assemble the program as shown in the solution slides. A team meets the challenge if it is able to show that its robot is able to "move back quickly" when it bumps into something as the robot moves forward. Use the following rubric to evaluate each team's construction and programming accomplishments [maximum 40 points; see slide 4]:
- The touch sensor was correctly assembled on the robot (using instructions) [max 5 points]
- The computer program makes the robot move forward [max 15 points]
- The touch sensor work as planned, that is, made the robot move back quickly upon being activated by an obstacle (for example, a wall in front) [max 20 points]
Closing Discussion: Ask students to share what they learned about programming principles and their experiences, especially any difficulties encountered.
Additional Multimedia Support
EV3 robots and sensors: https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/?domainredir=mindstorms.lego.com
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Students learn about the similarities between the human brain and its engineering counterpart, the computer. Since students work with computers routinely, this comparison strengthens their understanding of both how the brain works and how it parallels that of a computer.
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Students gain a rigorous background in the primary human "sensors," as preparation for comparing them to some electronic equivalents in the associated activity. Students learn the concept of "stimulus-sensor-coordinator-effector-response" to describe the human and electronic sensory processes.
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Copyright
© 2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2012 Curators of the University of MissouriContributors
Sachin Nair, Charlie Franklin, Satish NairSupporting Program
GK-12 Program, Computational Neurobiology Center, College of Engineering, University of MissouriAcknowledgements
This curriculum was developed under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. DGE 0440524. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: October 16, 2020
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