Part I: Scribbling Animal Robots
Step 1. Build
- Watch the video: Start by watching two videos above and this video. The first video demonstrates how a Scribble Bot works, showing how the motor and markers create movement and patterns. The second video introduces the general characteristics of life. These are the traits shared by living organisms, such as movement, responsiveness, and energy use. As complete this activity, reflect on whether or not your Scribble Bot contains any of these characteristics!
- Gather your materials: Refer to the materials list here.
- Set up your workspace: Clear a flat surface and gather your materials. Have a large piece of white paper ready to place on the ground for your bot to scribble on.
- Build the body: Attach the markers to the paper cup using rubber bands. These markers will act as the “legs” of your robot. Make sure they are evenly spaced for balance.
- Attach the motor: Secure the motor paper cup body. Ensure it’s stable and positioned so its vibrations will move the robot.
- Connect the power: Find a spot and adhere the battery pack close to the motor. Connect the wires from the motor to the battery pack.
- Test the robot: Turn on the motor using the battery pack switch. Observe how your Scribble Bot moves and adjust the markers or motor if needed to ensure smooth movement and pattern creation.
- Add your paper: Lay a large piece of white paper on the ground and place your Scribble Bot on it to create patterns.
- Transform your bot into a zoo animal: Use craft materials (e.g., construction paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, feathers, or foam sheets) to decorate your Scribble Bot. Decide on your animal and create features like ears, tails, or wings to bring your zoo animal to life. Attach your decorations securely to the paper cup body without interfering with the motor or movement.
- Experiment and customize: Adjust the marker positions or motor placement to observe how the patterns change. Experiment with decorations that highlight and enhance your robot’s animal features. Challenge yourself to create a scenario where your robot responds to a stimulus. For example, can you arrange the legs and motor so that the robot changes direction when it touches something?
- Capture your creation: Once your zoo-animal Scribble Bot is complete, place it on the paper and let it scribble unique patterns.
Step 2. Share
Record and upload a video of your scribbling animal robot in action below. Type your first name(s) in the “Subject’ area. A QR code is provided for ease of upload.
