Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
Robots & Society
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Robots & Society
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Subject: Robotics
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Grade code: 3.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 3.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.1.LI.2
Theme: Principles of Robotic Systems
Subtheme: Robots & Society
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This lesson moves our study of robotics from the workshop into our communities. We often see robots in movies, but their most important use is in solving real-world problems that affect our daily lives here in Ghana. From challenges in agriculture like post-harvest losses, to environmental issues like plastic waste management in our cities, to making work safer in our industries, robotics offers powerful tools for building a better future. This lesson is a project-based activity where you will become problem-solvers. You will work in teams to identify a challenge within a local Ghanaian industry or community and design a robotic solution for it.
This lesson focuses on a design thinking process. Here are the key concepts you will use. Concept 1: Problem Identification
Before you can solve a problem, you must understand it deeply. This is the most important step. A good problem statement is specific and focuses on the root cause. Process: Observe: Look around your community, think about our local industries (cocoa farming, fishing, textile production, waste management). What challenges do you see? What tasks are difficult, dangerous, or repetitive for people? Ask "Why?": Don't just state the surface-level issue. Ask "why" it is a problem. Define: Write a clear, concise statement that describes the core problem. Ghanaian Example: Observation: The gutters along the streets of Accra are often choked with plastic waste, leading to flooding when it rains. Ask "Why?": Why are they choked? *Because people dump plastic bottles and sachets into them.* Why is it hard to clear them? *Manual desilting is slow, labour-intensive, and hazardous to workers' health.* Problem Definition: "The manual process for removing plastic waste from narrow urban drainage systems is inefficient, slow, and poses health risks to sanitation workers, leading to frequent blockages and flooding." Concept 2: Ideation and Brainstorming
This is the creative phase where you generate as many ideas as possible without judgment. Rules for Brainstorming: Quantity over Quality: Aim for a large number of ideas first. No Bad Ideas: Don't criticise any idea during the brainstorming phase. Wild ideas are welcome! Build on Others' Ideas: Listen to your teammates. Can you combine two ideas or improve one? Be Visual: Use sketches and diagrams to express your ideas. Concept 3: Conceptual Design & Local Components
A conceptual design is a sketch or drawing of your idea. It is not a detailed engineering blueprint. Its purpose is to communicate the main function and parts of your robot. What to include in your sketch: A clear drawing of the robot's overall shape. Labels for key parts (e.g., "wheels," "robotic arm," "camera/sensor," "collection bin"). Brief notes on how it works. Crucially, think about realistic components. Instead of imagining futuristic materials, consider what is available in Ghana. For example: Structure: Recycled metal parts, PVC pipes, wood. Motors: DC motors from old electronics, servo motors available at local electronic shops (e.g., in Zongo Lane, Accra). Sensors: Simple sensors compatible with Arduino or Raspberry Pi (e.g., ultrasonic sensor for distance, colour sensor, moisture sensor). Power: Rechargeable batteries, small solar panels. Concept 4: Design Prioritisation