Written by Pavithra Murugan
Most children, and sometimes even adults have a fascination with robots. Kids view it as a complex technology that’s often difficult to decode. Making scribble bots will break this myth, and alleviate their intimidation around robots and electrical science.
A scribble bot is a small robot that colors by itself on a piece of paper.
Resources needed per student
Plastic cup
3V DC motor
AA battery
4 sketch pens
Icecream stick
Sellotape
Time Needed
1 hour
Concepts taught
Basic electrical science, working of DC motors and batteries.
DC Motor: A DC motor is an electrical instrument that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. In this activity, the erratic motion of the DC motor is used to make the scribble on the paper.
Battery: A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Here, the electrical energy from the battery is used to power the DC motor.
Electrical circuits: An electrical circuit is a path through which electrical current flows. Current flows through the circuit if it is a closed-loop. In this activity, we are creating a simple circuit with a switch.
Instructions for students
Step 0:
Learn the fundamentals of motors, batteries, and electrical circuits. Understand their different functionalities.
Step 1:
Tape a sketch pen to the plastic cup as shown in the picture. Similarly, tape the other pens on the cup at equal distances from each other. These pens will function as the bot’s legs.
Step 2:
Tape the battery to the top of the cup. Similarly, tape the motor to the top of the cup, and connect one side of the wire to the positive terminal of the battery.
Step 3:
Pierce a hole in the icecream stick and insert it into the motor’s shaft.
Step 4:
Now, remove the pen caps and connect the other end of the wire to the battery. Your Scribble Bot is now ready!
Step 5:
Additionally, you can stick more tape and decorate your Scribble Bot. Watch your bot create beautiful patterns on a piece of paper and enjoy!
Instructions for Teachers
Explain the concept of electrical circuits:
This activity could be a great way to introduce electrical circuits and their working to kids. Circuits and wires can be slightly intimidating to children at first. But, with this simple circuit, you can widen their understanding by pushing them to explore complex circuits and learn about the different electrical components used to build circuits.
Explain the working of motors and batteries:
Since this activity is based on the working of a motor and a battery, ensure that kids learn the primary functions of motors and batteries. Educate them about how motors and batteries can be used in various situations.
Procuring motors for the activity:
The motors used for this activity can be procured very easily. Ask children to look for them in any old toys or discarded equipment they might have at home.
Introduce variables:
Encourage children to change certain variables in their bots and witness how it changes the scribble pattern. They can play around by changing the weight or the speed of the motor, using different art supplies instead of sketch pens, varying the position of the sketch pens on the cup, etc.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!