Human Body | Project Based Learning
Students will explore how the human hand works and apply basic robotics concepts to design and build a simple cardboard robotic/prosthetic hand model with moving fingers. In this project-based lesson, students investigate joints, tendons, and motion, then use simple materials to create a functional prototype and explain how it connects to human body systems.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Joint | A place where two bones meet and allow movement. |
| Tendon | A strong band that connects muscle to bone and helps movement. |
| Prototype | A first model made to test an idea. |
| Mechanism | A set of parts that work together to make something move. |
| Robotics | The use of technology to design machines that can perform tasks. |
| Flexion | Bending a body part, such as closing a finger or hand. |
Show a hand opening and closing. Ask: How does your hand move? What parts of the body help it bend? Introduce the challenge: build a simple robotic hand model that mimics human finger movement.
Observe, answer questions, and share prior knowledge.
Use a simple diagram or model to point out fingers, knuckles, joints, and tendons. Explain that robotics can copy how the body moves.
Label a diagram, identify parts, and discuss how movement happens.
Introduce the project goal and criteria: create a hand model with at least three moving fingers using safe, simple materials. Model how to sketch a plan.
Work in pairs or small groups to draw a quick design and list materials needed.
Circulate, ask guiding questions, and support safe tool use. Remind students to test one part at a time.
Cut, assemble, and connect straws/string to make fingers bend and move.
Ask groups to demonstrate their model and identify what works and what needs fixing. Prompt students to make one improvement based on testing.
Test finger movement, note problems, and revise the design.
Invite groups to present their prototypes and explain how their model connects to the human hand.
Present their model and explain the body-robot connection.
Use a short exit ticket or oral check to assess understanding of hand parts, movement, and robotics connection.
Complete reflection or exit ticket.
Review the key idea that robotics can imitate the human body by copying movement and structure. Celebrate completed prototypes and reinforce that engineers improve designs through testing and revision.
Formative assessment through teacher observation, group discussion, prototype demonstration, and an exit ticket or short reflection measuring understanding of hand anatomy, movement, and the robotics connection.