A company in California is making a special robot arm that can move like a real arm. It uses smart computer stuff and tiny machines to work. This robot arm can be put on easily and is not heavy. It can move like a real arm, all the way from the shoulder to the fingers. The company wants to sell it for less money than other robot arms, so more people can buy it.
But, making this robot arm costs a lot of money, and some people might not be able to afford it. The company hopes to make it cheaper so more people can use it. Not everyone might want or need this robot arm. There are also some big questions about making and using robot arms. The company is still working on making the robot arm better and making sure it is safe to use.
Original news source: The 'mind-bending' bionic arm powered by AI (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a set of cards with different actions written on them (e.g. wave, clap, eat, drink). One person from each group will pick a card and act out the action without speaking. The rest of the group must guess what action they are acting out.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Ask the class if they think having a robot arm is a good idea or not. Have them raise their hands to vote. Then, divide the class into pairs and have them discuss their reasons for their opinion. After a few minutes, have a few pairs share their opinions with the class.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board (e.g. robot arm, computer, machine, shoulder, fingers). Divide the class into pairs. One person from each pair will choose a word and draw a picture of it, while the other person tries to guess the word. They can only use drawings, no speaking allowed.
– Keyword Hangman
Instructions: Write a sentence from the article on the board, but with some keywords missing (e.g. A company in ________ is making a special ________ arm that can move like a real arm). Divide the class into small groups. One person from each group will come to the board and guess a letter. If the letter is in one of the missing keywords, write it in the correct place. If the letter is not in any of the missing keywords, draw one part of a hangman. The group must guess the missing keywords before the hangman is completed.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask the class to think about one question related to the article (e.g. Do you think robot arms will become common in the future?). Give them a few minutes to think silently. Then, have them pair up with a partner and discuss their thoughts. Finally, have a few pairs share their ideas with the class.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The robot arm is made of smart computer stuff and tiny machines.
Yes, the robot arm can move like a real arm, all the way from the shoulder to the fingers.
The company wants to sell the robot arm for less money so that more people can buy it.
The robot arm costs a lot of money, so some people might not be able to afford it.
The company is working on making the robot arm cheaper so that more people can use it.
Not all people want or need the robot arm. Some people might not find it useful.
The company is working on making the robot arm better and making sure it is safe to use.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
A company in California is making a robot arm that can like a real arm. It uses smart computer stuff and tiny machines to work. This robot arm can be put on easily and is not heavy. It can move like a real arm, all the way from the shoulder to the . The company wants to sell it for less money than other robot arms, so people can buy it. But, making this robot arm costs a lot of money, and some might not be able to afford it. The company to make it cheaper so more people can use it. Not everyone might want or need this robot arm. There are also some big questions about making and using robot . The company is still working on making the robot arm better and making it is safe to use.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is a robot arm?
2. How would you feel if you had a robot arm?
3. Do you think it would be fun to have a robot arm? Why or why not?
4. Do you like the idea of a robot arm that can move like a real arm? Why or why not?
5. What do you think about the company wanting to sell the robot arm for less money?
6. Do you think it's important for more people to be able to afford the robot arm? Why or why not?
7. What are some things you could do with a robot arm?
8. Do you think everyone needs a robot arm? Why or why not?
9. How do you think the robot arm works?
10. What are some big questions about making and using robot arms?
11. Do you think the company will be able to make the robot arm better and safer to use? Why or why not?
12. Why do you think the company is working on making the robot arm cheaper?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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