Knowledge required
This activity assumes that students already know at least how to code the version of Otto in the starter kit and its components (motors, lights and sensors).
Materials required
- Autonomous vehicle slides
- Otto Starter robot
- Computers with internet and/or Bluetooth connection
Optional materials
- Autonomous vehicle worksheets
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key components of a robot and explain their functions.
- Describe the difference between sensors and actuators and how they interact in a robot.
- Recognize robotic systems in everyday life and be able to reason about how they help.
- Know that robots use algorithms to perform tasks.
- Write and upload programs that control the robot.
- Understand key concepts of programming (loops, conditionals, variables, and functions) and apply them to write effective programs for the Otto robot.
- Identify the problem to be solved and develop a plan to address it using the Otto robot components.
- Use an iterative design process to improve the robot’s performance.
- Analyse the mechanical components of the robot and explain how they work together.
- Create a project that combines robotics with another creative discipline.
Connect with the idea of autonomous vehicles
The class begins by displaying the first slide and asking the students “What do you see here?‘“
[Pause and wait for students to provide answers, which may include mentions of a cars moving in a street]
The teacher will then guide the class in a conversation about how the traffic could change in the future due to autonomous vehicles.
In slide 2, the teacher will introduce the topic of the day that will consist of learning about autonomous vehicles and turning Otto into one using all its components.
Autonomous Driving Levels
From slide 3 to 9 there are small descriptions about vehicle autonomous levels. It can help students to better understand the different stages of automation that a self-driving vehicle requires.
On slide 11, the different levels of robot autonomy (LORA) are shown as a comparison of how similar a robot can be to an autonomous vehicle.
Activity: Research about autonomous vehicles
The teacher will organize small groups of 2-3 students. Each group will be assigned a research about autonomous vehicles. The students can conduct their investigation using the internet or through the provided materials, in either digital or physical form (this material must be prepared and provided by the teacher).
During this activity, students will gather information about autonomous driving and gain knowledge about how autonomous cars are being used in daily life. At the end of the investigation, each group will give a brief presentation about their research.
📝You can use the worksheet for students to write down their research results or simply allow them to take notes in a notebook or blank paper
Activity: autonomous Otto
Challenge students to turn their Otto into autonomous vehicles using their knowledge of how to code the components of Otto in the word blocks app. It can be an open activity (let students explore the way they decide to create their autonomous Otto) or set with specific requirements. Feel free to choose the method that better matches your student’s group. For instance, here are some possible requirements for the activity:
See a simple version of an Autonomous Otto program in the file: 17-1_autonomous-Otto.otto.
Lesson Evaluation
- Students understood the stages of automation required for self-driving vehicles.
- Students presented their research findings about autonomous driving.
- Students applied their knowledge of Otto’s components and coding to create their autonomous vehicle.
- Students tested their autonomous Ottos and observed their behavior in the classroom environment.
- Students explained the functionality and decisions behind their code.
