Parts and Functions of a Robot JSS 1 Plan

LESSON PLAN

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Subject:	Digital Technologies
Class:	JSS 2
Term:	Third Term
Week:	2
Topic:	Parts and Functions of a Robot
Duration:	80 Minutes (Double Period)
Date/Period:	________________________

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify sensors, actuators and controllers.
2. Explain the functions of sensors, actuators and controllers.
3. Explain the role of software in robotics.

Previous Knowledge

Students have learnt the meaning of robotics, the types of robots and their basic components: the body or frame, power supply, sensors, controller and actuators. They have also used conditions and loops in visual programming.

Instructional Materials

• Robot diagrams and charts showing sensors, actuators and controllers.
• Samples or pictures of sensors and actuators, where available.
• Robot videos.
• Projector or display screen, where available.
• Whiteboard and markers.

Reference Materials

• Digital Technologies lesson note: Parts and Functions of a Robot.
• Robotics pictures, videos and learning resources.
• Teacher-prepared examples and class activities.

Presentation

Stage/Time	Teacher's Activities	Students' Activities
Stage 1 Introduction 5 minutes	Reviews the basic components of a robot from the previous lesson. Shows a robot vacuum video and asks how it knows when to turn.	Recall the components of a robot and suggest how the robot knows when to turn.
Stage 2 Sensors 15 minutes	Defines sensors and explains the touch, light, distance, sound, temperature and camera sensors using pictures or samples. States what each detects and where it is used.	Take notes, name the sensors and state what each one detects and where it can be used.
Stage 3 Actuators 10 minutes	Defines actuators and explains motors, servo motors, grippers, speakers and lights or displays. Compares actuators to muscles.	Identify actuators, state their functions and give examples of robots that use them.
Stage 4 Controllers 10 minutes	Defines the controller as the brain of the robot. Explains its four functions and shows examples of microcontrollers and small computers.	Take notes, state the functions of the controller and explain why it is called the brain.
Stage 5 Role of Software 10 minutes	Explains software as the set of instructions for the controller. Shows a simple conditional program for a robot with a distance sensor and links it to Scratch conditions and loops.	Explain the role of software, read the example program and relate it to what they learnt in Scratch.
Stage 6 Class Activity 20 minutes	Uses the robot vacuum example to show how the parts work together. Guides students to classify parts and to trace the actions of a robot that detects a wall.	Classify parts as sensors, controllers or actuators and trace the robot's actions, stating the role of each part and of the software.
Stage 7 Evaluation and Conclusion 10 minutes	Asks oral questions, corrects misconceptions and summarises the functions of sensors, actuators, controllers and software. Gives the assignment.	Answer questions, clarify difficulties and copy the assignment.

Evaluation

1. What is a sensor?
2. List four types of sensors and state what each detects.
3. What is an actuator? Give two examples.
4. Why is the controller called the brain of a robot?
5. State three functions of a controller.
6. What is software in robotics?
7. How do sensors, the controller and actuators work together?

Assignment

1. Define sensors, actuators and controllers.
2. Describe four types of sensors and state what each detects.
3. Describe three types of actuators and state what each does.
4. Explain the functions of a controller in a robot.
5. Explain the role of software in robotics.

Teacher's Reflection/Remarks

Were students able to identify sensors, actuators and controllers, explain their functions and describe the role of software? Record any difficulties encountered and provide additional examples where necessary.

Remarks: __________________________________________________

Teacher's Signature: ____________________   Date: __________