Bristlebots

Large Group Activity/ Classroom Activity

Bristlebots are fun for the solitary child but even more fun in groups. Below is a sample activity which is easily expandable for kids in high school. Bristlebots make for a fun activity when talking about energy, motion, and animal movement.

Goal: Students will learn how to make a Bristlebot then create their own versions in order to meet engineering challenges.

Supplies Needed:

A large variety of tooth brushes, different sizes and shapes

A large variety of motors, different sizes and power

A large variety of coin cell batteries, different sizes and shapes

Foam tape

Wires, pip cleaners, and just general junk

Wooden block or other materials to make a "track". Taping up a floor also works.

Simple Worksheet or handout

Procedure:

1) First, students make their own standard Bristlebot.

2) Present your challenges. We enjoy the following.

A) Going over a small ramp.

B) Going around a corner. Use block to make this happen.

C) Going in a strait line. Tape up a floor to make this happen.

3) Students are given a handout. If a student makes a bot which can complete a challenge, they get a stamp/ sticker/ teacher signature.

4) Students draw and explain their bots. If a student is unable to complete a challenge they must explain why their bot didn't work and draw a design they think might work.

5) Once they complete all three challenges, or time runs out, give an additional handout with critical thinking questions.

It is unusual for students to create one single bot that can do all three challenges. Typically only 50% of students complete all three challenges in the time allotted.

Cleaning Up and Reusing:

After the activity you can have the students take their bots home or return the supplies. If you choose to have students return the supplies your only investment in future activities will be for more foam tape and batteries, both which are very inexpensive.