Youth who are interested in science and technology would be a perfect fit for a robotics project! Learn the hands on skills needed to design and build robots, while exploring the science behind them.
The 4-H Robotics Curriculum is comprised of three tracks; each is designed to meet the diverse requirements of 4-H clubs, after-school programs, individual youth and school enrichment activities. The curriculum was developed for all levels of expertise: from beginning to advanced.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Build an understanding of basic science concepts related to robotics
- Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design
- Build skills in science, engineering and technology
- Use the tools of technology to enhance their learning
- Explore related careers in these fields
- Apply the skills and knowledge they are developing to new challenges
4-H Robotics Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Junk Drawer Robotic Level 1: Give Robotics a Hand
In the Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum, youth are challenged to build robots from everyday items. None of the levels requires or uses computers. There are Facilitator Guides for three levels. Youth use a Robotics Notebook to record their learning experiences, robotic designs and data from their investigations. One facilitator guide is needed per group, while each youth should have their own notebook.
In Level 1 – Give Robots a Hand, youth explore and learn about robot arms. Concepts covered include pneumatics, arm designs, and three-dimensional space. Big ideas include form and function, scientific habits of mind, and engineering design.
Junk Drawer Robotics Level 2: Robots on the Move
In Level 2 – Robots on the Move, youth learn about locomotion through exploring, designing, and building mobile robot ROVs and other subsystems. Youth learn about friction, electronic circuits, mobile robots, simple machines, and buoyancy.
Junk Drawer Robotics Level 3: Mechatronics
In Level 3 – Mechatronics, youth will explore sensors and analog and digital systems. The track introduces simple electronic components; youth will build basic circuits to see how the components work. They will investigate basic elements of programming and instructions for robotic computer control.
Junk Drawer Robotics: Youth Robotics Notebook
There is one Robotics Notebook for the three levels of the Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum. The notebook encourages youth to think and act like scientists and engineers. In their notebook, youth will record their ideas, collect data, draw designs, and reflect on their experiences. It also provides specific information for the challenges. Each youth should have his or her own Robotics Notebook.
- Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide (PDF)
- Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide Activity Supplies (PDF)
- Junk Drawer Robotics Facilitator’s Guide “What’s in Your Toolbox?” (PDF)
Not all robots are the same, but they do share some basic features. Choose from two recommended platforms (LEGO® SPIKE® or VEX®) to learn what a robot is, how to build one, and how to program it. See ohio4h.org/robotics for details. A computer for running the programming software and internet access for watching videos are required.
This curriculum is not on Shop 4-H – this PDF comes from the Ohio 4-H Robotics Project.
DIY Make & Build – Robotic Maker Project Guide
4-H is taking emerging technologies by storm. We’ve added new projects which will spark the imagination of builders, makers, and tinkerers of all ages.
Over the last decade, Do-it-yourselfers have shown the world that you do not need to be an engineer or computer scientist to create useful, innovative devices, gadgets, and gizmos through what is known as the Maker Movement. In fact, with very little background, and a can-do attitude, almost anyone can enter the Maker world and create anything their imagination guides them to.
This year, Illinois 4-H has brought the Maker Movement to your doorstep through a Multi Media curriculum experience called DIY Make & Build!
DIY Make and Build is an opportunity for youth to learn about design, engineering, manufacturing, electricity and computer programming while being innovative and imaginative. While each activity has a specific goal in mind, this guide is to be used as a starting block to expand on each of the concepts and ideas presented here.
This activity guide is designed to guide you in creating a sustained learning experience for youth using readily available materials purchased both online and locally, as well as common items found around the house. These activities are accompanied by video guides that can be used by youth independently (or at home) as well as in group settings. In addition, youth are encouraged to perform “Online Reconnaissance Missions” to research topics not explicitly covered in this guide. These will be marked as “ORM”. Each day can be done independently but could also be done in succession for a sustained learning experience. There are suggested activities in each of the topic related days. There are several online resources with similar activities that can be added to extend the time or others can be used in place of the ones listed.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Robots are the future—and the present! In this activity, create a robot that draws on paper. You will learn how moving and non-moving parts interact when building a machine. A free Clover account is required to view lesson plans.
- Coding and Robotics Activities from Discover Engineering
- K-12 STEM Curriculum: Robotics – Teach Engineering
- How to Make a Robot – Lesson 1: Getting Started – RobotShop
- Tech in Agriculture: Tractors – University of Minnesota Extension
In this lesson, youth learn how technology is used in agriculture by creating self-steering “tractors” using Ozobots or similar robots.
- Building STEM Skills with Sphero
- Sphero EDU
- Robotics Task List (PDF)
- Junk Drawer Robotics Activity A: Think like a Scientist (PDF)
- Junk Drawer Robotics Activity M: Chopsticks & O: Hold On (PDF)
- ScratchJr
Coding is the new literacy! With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
Scratch is the world’s largest free coding community for kids. Hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Washington Specific Reference Material
With the help of community and industry, FIRST Washington offers the most comprehensive STEAM program in the state – Designed to inspire kids to be future leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
- Robotics – National 4-H
- 4-H Robotics Year-Round Training Guide (PDF)
- Robotics Project: Building Blocks of Bots – Texas 4-H (PDF)
- Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash: Volunteer Facilitator Guide – Mississippi 4-H (PDF)
- Snow-Tastrophe is a program from Mississippi Extension aimed at 4-H Cloverbud youth.
- Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash: Storybook – Mississippi 4-H (PDF)
- Snow-Tastrophe Program for Dash: Evaluation Guidelines – Mississippi (PDF)
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
- Robotics Alliance Project – NASA
- Industrial Robots have Transformed the Manufacturing Industry – A Galco TV Tech Tip (YouTube video)
There are many different types of automation applications that industrial robots are equipped to handle. Often, robots are designed or integrated with a specific task in mind and tailored to meet the unique needs of that task. Some common forms of industrial robotic automation include: welding, material handling & packaging, pick & place, dispensing, and cutting.
- Medical Robots are the Future of Surgery (YouTube video)
- Teacher Projects with Dash & Dot from Wonder Workshop – Pinterest
- Ohio 4-H Robotics ResourcesIndiana 4-H Robotics ResourcesLEGO Robotics Resources
Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H