Doodle-Bots
The basic idea behind a Doodle-Bot is to make a simple machine that can scribble or draw on a piece of paper unassisted. Of course, before having our Maker Class give it a try, we had to build one ourselves. Having seen these before, the design and construction process was pretty easy for us. (We basically cheated by knowing in advance what a Doodle-Bot could look like!) Our plan was to challenge the kids to build a bot without seeing a previous model.
The materials are simple and easy to obtain and most are re-useable. Each team of two got: thin colored markers, tape, a plastic cup, a small electric motor with wires already attached, a AA battery, a 1.25-inch piece of hot-glue stick (two small holes drilled on the side, one centered, one off-center), and access to scissors and other classroom tools. The motors were purchased on eBay, and cost about 50 cents each. We soldered the wires on in advance of the activity.
Excitement was high when we gave the kids the basic Doodle-Bot Challenge instructions. However, they were dismayed that we refused to explain how to build one. Questions flew around the room. "What is this for?" "Why do we need that?" "How are we supposed to make it move?" Once convinced that they were really on their own, the fun began. Some teams chose to make a plan first, while others jumped right into building.
We assumed our kids would arrive at a similar design plan as ours, which you can see at the top-left. But then, you know what happens when we assume ............ In the end, their Doodle-Bot designs mostly consisted of one pen attached to the cup, with the motor shaft touching the paper to drive the bot in circles. They created Spiro-Bots! Ours could only scribble. Watch the video above to see a Spiro-Bot in action.
The activity took all of our enrichment-class block, and by the end all teams had succeeded to some degree. What was most gratifying to us as teachers were the reactions and feedback from the students at the end of the challenge. "I thought it couldn't be done, but we did it!" "Is this what our class will be like all trimester? I hope so!" "This was fun. Can we do it again?" "What do we get to do next time?" "I can't wait until tomorrow's class!" How often do we see this kind of enthusiasm for our classes?
Most first attempts failed. Some teams started over from scratch while others adjusted and tweaked their initial plans. Levels of frustration were high at times, but the teams persevered. Throughout the activity, teams shared design ideas and suggested improvements to one another. It was great to hear the shouts of joy across the room when a bot started to draw!
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© 2015 by Gary Jordan. Created on WIX.com MAKE logo courtesy of Maker Media, Inc. www.makermedia.com/press/