SHS1 Robotics · Semester 1 Week 11: Sensors & Actuators

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.3.LI.1 - Draw a parallel relationship that relates the coordination of senses, brain and moving parts in living organisms to the coordination of sensors, processors and actuators in robots.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify at least three pairs of corresponding parts between a living organism and a robot (e.g., eyes and camera, brain and processor, muscles and motors).
Explain, in their own words, how sensory input, processing, and action form a coordinated loop in both living organisms and robots.
Draw a labelled parallel feature map that matches the sensory, processing, and movement systems of a named living organism to a named bio-inspired robot.
Predict what would happen in a robot or organism if one part of the sensing-processing-acting loop (e.g., the sensor) failed.
Present and defend their parallel feature map to peers, giving and receiving constructive feedback.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Principles of Robotic Systems (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Sensors & Actuators (1.3)
Content standard: 1.1.3.CS.1 - 1.1.3.CS.1 Relate nature-inspired sensing, mechanics and controls to applications in robot sensory, architecture and control systems. 1.1.3.LO.1 Analyse the similarities between robots and living organisms and outline critical scientific principles that underpin how sensing is achieved in robots.
Indicator: 1.1.3.LI.1 - Draw a parallel relationship that relates the coordination of senses, brain and moving parts in living organisms to the coordination of sensors, processors and actuators in robots.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 11 (Week 11 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 41

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Experiential Learning: Watch videos of various bio-inspired robots, and for each robot, draw parallel feature maps to living organisms. Share drawings with the class for comments and feedback.

Assessment (1.1.3.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Videos
- Textbooks
- Online Resources
- Demonstration with Sensors