Robotic arm
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=271
A lesson plan for grades 6–7 and 9–12 Science
In this Science Update, students listen to evidence that a robotic arm may be able to help stroke victims regain control of their movement. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions that engage students in a discussion of whether the robotic arm is actually a cost-effective, viable alternative for people who have lost movement due to medical ailments. The lesson also provides links to related lesson plans on the Science NetLinks site, and web resources from PBS Nova Online and the Tech Museum of Innovation.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
- Objective 1.04: Analyze variables in scientific investigations:
- Identify dependent and independent.
- Use of a control.
- Manipulate.
- Describe relationships between.
- Define operationally.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
- Artifact or hardware.
- Methodology or technique.
- System of production.
- Social-technical system.
- Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
- Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
- Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.
- Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
- Application of scientific principles.
- Risks and benefits.
- Constraints of design.
- Consistent testing protocols.
- Objective 2.04: Apply tenets of technological design to make informed consumer decisions
- Products.
- Processes.
- Systems.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
Grade 7
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
- Objective 1.04: Analyze variables in scientific investigations:
- Identify dependent and independent.
- Use of a Control.
- Manipulate.
- Describe relationships between.
- Define operationally.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data.
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
- Artifact or hardware.
- Methodology or technique.
- System of production.
- Social-technical system.
- Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
- Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
- Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.
- Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
- Application of scientific principles.
- Risks and benefits.
- Constraints of design.
- Consistent testing protocols.
- Objective 2.04: Apply tenets of technological design to make informed consumer decisions about:
- Products.
- Processes.
- Systems.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
Grade 8
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
- Objective 1.04: Analyze variables in scientific investigations:
- Identify dependent and independent.
- Use of a control.
- Manipulate.
- Describe relationships between.
- Define operationally.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Describe strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and/or data.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data.
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
- Artifact or hardware.
- Methodology or technique.
- System of production.
- Social-technical system.
- Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
- Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
- Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.
- Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
- Application of scientific principles.
- Risks and benefits.
- Constraints of design.
- Consistent testing protocols.
- Objective 2.04: Apply tenets of technological design to make informed consumer decisions about:
- Products.
- Processes.
- Systems.
- Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
Grade 9–12 — AP Biology
- Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify questions and create hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
- Create testable hypotheses.
- Identify variables.
- Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
- Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
- Collect and record data.
- Organize data into charts and graphs.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Communicate findings.
- Objective 1.03: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence to:
- Explain observations.
- Make inferences and predictions.
- Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.
- Objective 1.05: Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
- Appropriate sample.
- Adequacy of experimental controls.
- Replication of findings.
- Alternative interpretations of the data.
Grade 9–12 — Biology
- Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify biological questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
- Create testable hypotheses
- Identify variables.
- Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
- Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
- Collect and record data.
- Organize data into charts and graphs.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Communicate findings.
- Objective 1.03: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence to:
- Explain observations.
- Make inferences and predictions.
- Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.
- Objective 1.05: Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
- Appropriate sample.
- Adequacy of experimental controls.
- Replication of findings.
- Alternative interpretations of the data.



