Foundations of Robot Building

This unit introduces students to the role of robots in society, the range of robot kits and construction methods, and the essential tools, materials, and safety practices for building robots. It builds on prior STEM knowledge and prepares students for subsequent units focused on programming, advanced design, and system integration.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze at least three real-world robot applications and describe their societal, economic, and ethical impacts with supporting examples.
• Evaluate and select an appropriate robot kit or construction approach for a given project by comparing cost, time, complexity, and scalability, and produce a written selection rationale.
• Demonstrate safe and organized workshop practices, including proper tool handling, soldering technique, and anti-static precautions, by completing a safety and setup checklist with no critical violations.
• Apply basic electronics, motor, and sensor principles to assemble, wire, and troubleshoot a simple mobile robot prototype and document test outcomes and at least two corrective actions.