Grade 8 Robotics Skill Builder: Animals

Animals Skill Builder

Grade 8 Robotics Animals Skill Builder Advanced 5 Questions 11 Views

Classroom Worksheet

Grade 8 Robotics Skill Builder: Animals

Animals Skill Builder

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Grade: Grade 8

Subject: Robotics

Topic: Animals

Time: 20 Minutes

Difficulty: Advanced

Questions: 5

Instructions:
Read each question carefully and answer in complete sentences or with labeled steps when needed. Show your reasoning for calculation and design questions. Use robotics vocabulary where appropriate.

Skills Practiced:

Animals
Robotics
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving

1Question

A robot designed to study elephants must move safely around large animals. Name two sensors that would help the robot avoid getting too close to an elephant and briefly explain how each sensor would work.

2Question

A small robot is built to imitate a dog’s movement for a classroom demonstration. Explain one way the robot’s design for movement would be different if it had to move like a bird instead of a dog.

3Question

A robot monitoring fish in a tank records the following distances from a fish: 12 cm, 15 cm, 11 cm, 14 cm, and 18 cm. Calculate the average distance and explain what this might tell the robot about the fish’s movement.

4Question

A robot is programmed to sort animal cards into three groups: mammals, reptiles, and birds. Describe an algorithm the robot could use to sort the cards correctly using at least two features for each group.

5Question

Design a robotics solution for a wildlife park that helps protect endangered animals without disturbing them. Your answer should include the robot’s purpose, two sensors or tools it would use, and one safety feature that makes the robot suitable for animals.

Answer Key

#	Answer
1	Possible sensors include an ultrasonic sensor, which measures distance using sound waves, and a camera with object detection, which identifies the elephant and helps the robot keep a safe distance. A bumper sensor could also be used as a backup if the robot makes contact.
2	A dog-like robot would usually use legs and joints for walking or trotting on the ground, while a bird-like robot would need wings, lighter materials, and possibly mechanisms for flapping or gliding. The bird design would focus on lift and balance in the air rather than ground walking.
3	Add the distances: 12 + 15 + 11 + 14 + 18 = 70 cm. Divide by 5: 70 ÷ 5 = 14 cm. The average distance is 14 cm. This suggests the fish stayed around a similar area in the tank, with some movement closer and farther from the robot.
4	The robot could first check for feathers. If the card shows feathers, sort it as a bird. If not, check for fur or milk-feeding; if present, sort it as a mammal. If the animal has scales and lays eggs, sort it as a reptile. The robot could use a decision tree to compare features step by step.
5	Example answer: A quiet monitoring robot could help track endangered animals at night without approaching them closely. It could use a thermal camera to detect animals in the dark and a GPS module to record locations. A safety feature could be low-noise motors and an automatic stop function if an animal comes too close, helping reduce stress and avoid harm.