Underwater Robots

Student Activity:

Simple Machines: Robot Building Blocks

Grade Level:

6th - 8th grade (Physical Science/Engineering)

Activity Description:

Students practice the engineering design process to develop a working manipulator arm for a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Through the design process, students explore how simple machines are combined and used to develop complex systems, like manipulator arms. Students also develop a hydraulic actuator, to convert energy into motion for their designs.

Supporting Images/Videos:

NOAA Ocean Exploration Education Team Manager, Susan Haynes, demonstrates construction of a simple hydraulic actuator using two oral syringes, a short length of aquarium tubing, and water (dyed green).

Hydraulic Actuator. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration.
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Simple Machines: Materials Needed.

Simple Machines: Materials Needed. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration.
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Simple Robot Arm.

Simple Robot Arm. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration.
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Hydraulic Actuator Siphon Demonstration. Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, University of Rhode Island - Inner Space Center.
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Demonstration: Building a simple robotic arm model using a hydraulic actuator. Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, University of Rhode Island - Inner Space Center.
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