Robots and Perimeter
Rec.: 11-12 years
4h + pre- and post-work
1102
In this module the students will explore strategies to calculate the perimeter of circles and other two-dimensional shapes. The practical work is done using Mindstorms®EV3 robots. The students will become well acquainted with the term perimeter during this day They must plan and carry out measurements and are encouraged to present and discuss their own choices of mathematical strategies. The module is suitable for Year 6 students.
Robots and Perimeter is a mathematics module with emphasis on mathematical discussions and exploration of strategies to calculate the perimeter of two-dimensional shapes. The students work in pairs throughout the day.
The module lasts 4 hours and consists in 3 activities that relate directly to each other.
- Activity 1: Perimeter of a circle (circumference). The students are to, in pairs, calculate and test how far a robot will travel when programmed to rotate its wheels a certain number of times. They are to present their strategies to the other students, and the Newton teacher emphasises choices of strategies when summing up the activity. The class teacher participates in monitoring strategies during this activity.
- Activity 2: As close to the LEGO-figurine as possible. The students are to define which mathematical information they need in order to program their robot to come as close to a LEGO-figurine as possible. They should calculate the number of rotations needed without testing it in practice. The student pairs show their results to the Newton teacher.
- Activity 3: Travel the shape. Each student pair plans and creates a shape on the floor using tape. The robot should be programmed to drive along the sides of the shape, and the students should calculate the shape’s perimeter. Some groups are chosen to present their work to each other. Summary in plenary.
Robots and Perimeter should challenge the students to discuss, give reasons for their own choices and let the students develop and test different solution strategies in the activities. The Newton teacher helps the students assess which strategies are the most effective and uses the summary sessions to focus on the methods that the students have used, not on the ‘correct answer’.
The students work in pairs the whole day. The module demands some floor space to work on, in addition to a robot table for activity 2.
A suggested script or key words for the Newton teacher is offered in the attached ppt. Ref. the module archive.
