Background
Many people have the pre-conceived notion
that a robot must look like a person and perform tasks the same
way a human would. While it is true that robots substitute human
effort, they may look and operate very differently from humans.
Technology and invention continue to produce new “robots” that
help people by performing tasks. Some people envision a future
where humans will have their own personal robot to assist them
in almost unlimited ways.
Activity
Ask the students to brainstorm tasks they
would like a robot to perform for them. Have one student record
the ideas on the chalkboard. Select a task and ask the class
to name all of the things a robot must do to adequately perform
that task. For example, a robot that would clean a room would
need to be able to discern clean clothes from dirty ones and
trash from important papers. Repeat this using two or three
more tasks from the list.
Exercise 1
Each student will imagine they have a robot
that helps them do things and something goes wrong or the robot
does something unexpected. Have them write a 1- to 2-page story
about the situation. The story must be humorous, and it must
include one or more illustrations.
Exercise 2
Have each student present their story to
the rest of the class. First, divide the class into pairs and
have the students rehearse in front of each other. Encourage
students to try to be as funny as they can, using body movements,
facial expressions and voice inflections. Have a “laugh off,”
where the students vote for the funniest presentation.
Exercise 3
Create a collection of short stories by putting
all of the essays in a binder. Have the class create a design
for the “book” cover. Be sure to include the illustrations for
the stories.
Evaluation
1.
Discuss the presentations of the stories to convey
the elements of effective public speaking: enunciation, eye
contact, etc.
2. Discuss the process of writing humor: Did it
come easily to the students? Or was the process of putting humorous
thoughts into words difficult? Why?
3.
Review the physical properties of some robotic
devices that currently exist. Discuss why they look and function
the way they do.
4. Hold a discussion about some of the students’
favorite comedy shows or movies. Discuss what makes them funny:
mannerisms of the characters, actions, dialogue, etc.
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