Technoteacher - Day 7

Activity 1: Bringing the Space Arm into Class

Objective:

Get students to understand what it is like to manupulate objects by remote control using a robot device like the Canadarm2 remote handling system on the Space Station.

Materials:

	Polystyrene foam balls (50 mm)
	Construction rods pierced at each ean and in the middle
	Brass fastenings
	30 cm rules (2 per student)
	A few glass marbles
	Sticky tape
	Pencils
	Erasers
	Gum in stick form or bottles
	Optional: picture of the Space Station on the spacelab wall, with a sticky area to catch balls (see Activity 2).

Context:

Canadarm2, or Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), will be operated remotely by astronauts from inside the Station, allowing them to carry out complex tasks without risk. This activity can be enlivened by linking it with the spacelab wall used in Activity 2.

Procedure:

First step: Each student, holding a construction rod in each hand, tries to pick up a ball and move it. Second step: When the student has successfully done this, the experiment is repeated, but this time holding both sticks in one hand. Harder, but feasible. Third step: A fastener is used to attach another rod to the end of the first in each of the pair, thus doubling the length of the "arm". The student then repeats the exercise, first with both hands and then with only one. Fourth step: Using the 30 cm rulers, students again try to move the balls. They will realize that the longer the arm is, the more delicate the operation becomes.

Fifth step: Each student then uses four rods and four fastenings to make an extensible arm (see illustration), then uses that to move the polystyrene balls.

Optional: Have them move the balls onto the sticky area of the spacelab wall. Ask them to imagine that the balls are parts that must be anchored to the Station. Time the operation. Note any difficulties and bring them to the class's attention. Can they pick up and move other things? Marbles? Pencils? Erasers? Discuss ways of improving the system.

Activity 2: Robot Arm

This is a modified version of the previous activity. Try both arms and compare their ways of functioning! Introduction to activity: to complete

Materials:

	Scissors
	Ruler
	21.25 by 27.5 cm piece of cardboard (size of letter paper)
	Nail
	2 brass fasteners
	Wire (stiff, like a metal coat hanger)
	Pliers
	2 paper clips
	Modeling clay

Procedure:

1. Cut three pieces of cardboard, each 27.5 x5 cm
2. Make a small hole in all ends of each cardboard about 2.5 cm from each end
3. Insert a brass fastener to attach the three pieces of cardboard together; make sure that the pieces are still able to move once fastened
4. Make a small loop at one end of the wire using the pliers (ask an adult for help)
5. Pass the loop through one of the free remaining holes
6. Test the movement of the cardboard arm by holding on to the free end while moving the wire with the other hand. Adjust the fasteners so that the arm is able to move freely
7. Make a hook with one of the paper clips and attach the paper clip to the wire loop
8. Push the other paper clip into a ball of clay
9. Place the ball of clay on the table so that the hook inside is pointing upwards. Hold the cardboard arm about 45 cm away from the clay.
10. Using the wire to move the arm, try to pick up the ball of clay. Can you do it? What problems did you have?

Try putting the clay ball closer and further away from you, which is easier to pick up?