Mrs.

Trevathans

Spotlight

on Education

ntroducing
Finch Robots

Finch robots are multi-functional and cross-curricular tools for engaging students in the
learning process. Sixth grade students at Pleasanton Schools were able to use finch
robots in a variety of learning situations this month.

Science Discoveries
Students utilized the finch robots in experiments to study how objects
within systems interact at varying distances and the potential energy
stored within the systems. Using the finch robots as an object exerting
force on another force was an interesting way for students to visualize
forces acting upon each other and transferring energy.

Disciplinary
objects interact,
exerts a force on
causing energy to
from one object

Ideas: When
each object
the other
be transferred
to the other.

Social Studies
Students used the finch robots in Social Studies in a
collaborative
effort to study the effects of climate change in relation to geography and weather patterns. The
finch robots have the ability to measure temperature which was a key function in this activity.
Students created simulated environments such as deserts, frozen tundra and windy plains to
study the changes brought about when weather patterns shift. Using the robot temperature
sensors and color changing capabilities allowed students to visually appreciate the atmospheric
changes.
Disciplinary Ideas: Latitude, elevation, prevailing winds, closeness to bodies of water and the
Earths relationship with the Sun influence climate and how humans respond to regional climate
patterns and events including drought and El Nino.

Finches & Math

Finch robots were used as problem solving manipulatives.
Students sat up mazes using classroom objects such as textbooks
and Kleenex boxes for the robots to navigate. Students used trial
and error to successfully program their robots navigation route.
Identify problems with successful navigation, and use of trial and error to problem solve was
made fun by the incorporation of the interactive technology.
Disciplinary Ideas: Formulate problems from situations within and outside of mathematics and
generalize solutions and strategies to new problem situations.
Evaluate results to determine their reasonableness.
Apply a variety of strategies (e.g., restate the problem, look for a pattern, diagrams, solve a
simpler problem, work backwards, trial and error) to solve problems, with emphasis on multistep
and non-routine problems

Musical Finches
Finch robots, like their namesakes,are capable of producing sound. Our sixth
grade students used their robots sound functions to create short musical
compositions. The finches beaks were also programed to change color in time
with the musical compositions tone changes.
Disciplinary Ideas: The student presents or demonstrates an existing work
formally or informally with appropriate expressive and technical skills. Compose
music using a variety of sound sources, including electronic and computer.

Language Arts
Throughout this unit, students kept detailed notes which were put to use
upon completing the various Finch Robot learning exercises. Students wrote
detailed descriptions of their activities and observations composing descriptive and
reflective artifacts.

Disciplinary Ideas: The student will write for a variety of purposes and audiences using
narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and reflective modes. Writing demonstrates an
awareness of the audience (intended reader) and purpose for writing.
**Disciplinary Ideas were adapted/taken from the
Oklahoma Academic Standards found at http://ok.gov/sde/oklahoma-academic-standards**

Upcoming Events:
Nov. 20th - Parent-Teacher conferences
Call 555-555-5555 for appointment
scheduling or email ptre@hps.edu
NO SCHOOL
Nov. 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break