Lesson Using 6-Volt DC Hobby Motors
Sample Prompt
Create a lesson plan using two 6-volt DC hobby
motors with wheels for a 5th grade
classroom that is interested in building robots.
Assume you have a battery pack of 3 AA batteries,
wires, and a glue gun.
Sample Response
Lesson Plan: Building a Simple Robot with DC Motors
Objective:
Students will learn about basic electronics and robotics by building a simple robot using DC motors and a battery pack.
Materials:
- 2 DC motors (as shown in the image)
- 1 battery pack for 3 AA batteries
- 3 AA batteries
- 2 wheels (one attached to each motor)
- Chassis (can be a small plastic container or cardboard)
- Electrical tape and/or heat shrink tubing
- Small switch (optional)
- Connecting wires
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Screwdriver
- Scissors or wire cutters
Duration: About 2 hours
Lesson Steps:
1. Introduction to DC Motors and Robotics (15 minutes)
- Explain what a DC motor is and how it works.
- Discuss how robots use motors to move.
- Show examples of simple robots (videos or images).
2. Safety Briefing (5 minutes)
- Explain the importance of safety when working with batteries and hot glue.
- Demonstrate how to safely use the hot glue gun.
3. Building the Robot (90 minutes)
Step 1: Prepare the Motors
- Attach a wheel to each motor securely.
- Connect wires to the motor terminals if not already connected. Red wire to one terminal and black (or blue) to the other.
Step 2: Construct the Chassis
- Use a small plastic container or piece of cardboard as the base.
- Attach the motors to the bottom of the chassis using hot glue, making sure the wheels can rotate freely.
Step 3: Connect the Motors to the Battery Pack
- Attach the battery pack to the top of the chassis using hot glue or tape.
- Connect the red wire from each motor to the red wire from the battery pack.
- Connect the black wire from each motor to the black wire from the battery pack.
- Optionally, include a switch between the battery pack and the motors to turn the robot on and off.
Step 4: Test the Robot
- Insert the AA batteries into the battery pack.
- Turn on the switch (if included) and observe the robot move.
- If the robot doesn't move, check the connections and ensure the batteries are inserted correctly.
Step 5: Customize the Robot
- Allow students to decorate their robots with markers, stickers, or other craft supplies.
- Encourage students to experiment with different chassis designs and motor placements.
Wrap-Up and Discussion (10 minutes)**
- Ask students to share their experiences building the robot.
- Discuss what they learned about motors and robotics.
- Talk about potential improvements and modifications they could make to their robots.
5. Clean-Up (10 minutes)
- Ensure all materials are put away properly.
- Make sure the classroom is tidy and free of any hazards.
Additional Resources:
- Provide links to simple robotics projects and tutorials.
- Suggest books or websites for further reading on robotics and electronics.
Assessment:
- Observe students during the activity to ensure they are following instructions and working safely.
- Assess the functionality of each student's robot.
- Encourage students to explain how their robot works and what they learned from the activity.
This lesson plan aims to provide a hands-on, engaging introduction to robotics and electronics, suitable for 5th-grade students.