Drawbots — Educator Coaching Guide | FutureMakers

Drawbots

Your learners will create iterations of a machine powered by a circuit which draws using mechanical vibrations.

45 - 60 min.

Grade 2 and Up

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Quick Start Guide

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Overview

About This Spark

Your learners will create iterations of a machine powered by a circuit which draws using mechanical vibrations.

Materials

Each learner recieves

3 primary-colored markers (legs)
Pre-cut foam sheet with components
1 AA battery
1 jumbo rubber band
1 motor with attached gear and wires
Instruction sheet
Resealable storage bag

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What you need to provide

Projector and screen - for presentation slides

Optional resources

Large sheets of paper (for the Drawbots to have a drawing “dance party” on)

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Learner Goals

MUST

Build a structure that stands on marker legs, holds a battery and motor, and uses an imbalanced weight to make the Drawbot move.
Connect and disconnect the wires from the battery to open and close (stop and start) the motor circuit.

SHOULD

Identify how changes to the position and secure fit of legs, motor, battery and unbalanced weights contribute to movement.

COULD

Collaborate with other learners to explore multiple iterations, test different builds, and design Drawbots that move in new ways.

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Extension Activities

Speed Challenge: Adjust the weight and component placement to see if the Drawbot moves faster or slower.
Size Challenge: How few parts can you use to make your bot go? ‍
Pattern Challenge: Modify the structure to create different drawing patterns - it will move in lines, circles, and random patterns based on the build!

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Build the Base

Question: How can you combine a piece and markers to create a body that stands on three legs?

Try the circular foam base to start. ‍
Slide the back ends of the markers into three holes to form a stable tripod.

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Step 2 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

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Step 3 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

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Step 4 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

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Step 5 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

‍

Step 1 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

‍

Step 1 of 5: Preparing Components

Question: What do you notice about the different pieces in your kit? How do you think they will work together?

Remove all pre-cut pieces from the board, including the levers and fulcra.
Arrange the pieces neatly to make the process smoother.
Discuss what learners think each piece might do before assembling.

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Standards & Goals

Pre-Activity Questions

2

Post-Activity Questions

3

Common Core ELA Standards

test

6

7

Common Core Math Standards

8

9

11

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

12

13

14

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

‍Motor is not moving

Check wire connections—each metal end must touch an opposite end of the battery.

Motor moves, but bot doesn’t move

Adjust foam weights, reposition the motor, or change marker angles. Most importantly - is anything keeping the imbalanced weight on the motor from spinning? Is it stuck on something?

Bot falls over

Adjust leg positioning, length, and angle or shift components for balance. Your motor and battery are heavy....where can they be moved?

Weight isn’t spinning, or Drawbot isn't moving much

Ensure foam weight is correctly attached to the motor gear. If it's stuck or hitting another part, adjust your pieces to allow it to spin freely. If your motor is connected in a "floppy" way, tighten how it's being held. Motors that are tight to the body make bots that vibrate and move more!

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