2023 Week 1 – Journey Through the Human Body

Journey Through the Human Body

Week 1

Welcome to bESTology 2023!  In this year’s theme, we will take a journey through the human body in order to see first hand that the human body functions much like the robots we design.  Can you think of any similarities between the way our bodies function and the way our robots function?

• How is your brain similar to the brain of our robots?
• In what ways are the bones of your body similar to the structure of your robot?
• What about the way the robot’s wiring connects its brain to its various motors or sensors? Does that remind you of the connection between your own central nervous system and brain?

As we create our robot, we have different components that comprise the system as a whole.  These systems: the electronics, (brain, motors, sensors, wires) mechanics, (wheels, base, arm, elbow, gripper, etc.) and programming must all work cohesively just like the systems of the human body function as one.  Let’s journey through this lesson as it sets the tone for our learning throughout the next twelve weeks. 

Resources

Materials Needed

• Scissors, Glue, Journal.
• Optional: Color Pencils

Research/Reflect/Brainstorm

 Grab a journal and begin researching the following questions :

• What are the parts of the robot? Make a list of the parts that you believe are necessary for a robot to fully function.
• Watch the video, “Human Body Organ Systems” Make a list of all the body systems  and explain how each functions.

• Watch the Ted Talk Video on Spot. List three to five things you found interesting.

Activity

Group – Create a Venn diagram to show the similarities and differences between the systems of the human body and the parts of the robot.

 Individual – In your journal, think about the parts that are included in a robot and illustrate what each part could look like.

Extension Activity –  Print out the diagram, “Robot Bits and Bots.”  Cut out the different parts of the diagram and label each with its function on the robot.

BEST Connection

The BEST award is made up of several components. Answer these questions: What are the components of the BEST award? How do these components work together to make a complete robotics program? Now, compare the systems of a human body to the components of the BEST award.

Community Connection

Think about your school.  What are the different systems your school has in place in order for it work as one cohesive body?  Consider this: In order to have a successful athletic program, a school must have knowledgeable coaches, qualified athletic trainers, students who are willing to listen and execute a game plan, proper equipment, maintenance crews to help with gyms and/or fields, an athletic secretary to be in charge of the finances, and support from parents and teachers. 

• Bloom’s Taxonomy: create, explore, evaluate, generate, include, identify, list, observe, reflect, review , use, and write
• Workforce Skills – list workforce skills related to this lesson
• Critical thinking, materials evaluation, reading comprehension, science, writing, research