Boredom is sure to creep in during such unprecedented times when people are stuck at home during a lockdown. Apart from that, they need to engage their minds to cut down on high levels of stress. It is even more important for kids because they need special attention as it is not easy for them to adjust to a pandemic like the one we are experiencing now. So, what can you do to make it through? The answer is to absorb yourself in something constructive and fun to do with your children. For instance, make a robot with your little ones using everyday household objects which are easy to find, and you will have a great time.
What Do You Need?
- At least two rolls of tape
- White glue or other strong adhesive
- Superglue
- Scissors for kids
- Permanent markers of different colors
- Cans or Plastic bottles (washed and dried)
- Aluminum foil
- Knife (to cut the foil evenly)
- Pipe cleaners
- Pencil
- Googly eyes
- Sequins or rhinestones
- Bottle caps
- Springs
Precautionary Steps to Take
Do not indulge in risky projects if there are newborns at home. For toddlers as well, make sure they do not hurt themselves or consume any of the construction material. Do not let them touch electrical equipment unless proper adult supervision is available. If metal gadgets are to be used, assist your kid in handling them as some of them might be too heavy for their tender hands. Do not let your kids use sharp objects or try to check the edges of the robot. For a better experience, use kid-friendly materials only. Save yourself from any mishaps or injuries as well by following the above tips.
“Before you become too entranced with gorgeous gadgets and mesmerizing video displays, let me remind you that information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, and wisdom is not foresight. Each grows out of the other, and we need them all.”
Step by Step Guide
1. Use the Can or when you use a plastic bottle cover it with aluminum foil and glue it evenly.
2. Cut two equal pieces of pipe cleaner to make the robotic arms.
3. Use two springs to cover each arm. (read pieces of the pipe cleaner)
4. At an adequate distance, draw the facial characteristics using the marker; an outline should be made using a pencil.
5. Stick two googly eyes each at the destination of robotic eyes.
6. At the center, stick sequins for a further enhanced robotic look.
7. Cut another piece of pipe cleaner to serve as the base.
8. Attach a bottle cap (after piercing adequate-sized holes using the drill) on each end of this piece so that they can act as tires and aid in locomotion.
9. Secure this attachment below the bottle with the help of super glue.
10. The robot is ready to move. (attach a motor as well for further improvement – this can be extracted from a remote-controlled car or other similar toys)
How to Utilize Such a Robot?
If it has a motor and a connection with remote controlled tech, the following functions are possible:
1. Transfer information from one room to another.
2. It might help in teaching directions to the kids.
3. Hand dexterity can be improved by playing with the robot.
4. They can even be used as scientific examples of technology usage.
5. For playing purposes, a large number of such creatures can be assembled and thus made to compete.
6. Parents can use homemade robots to encourage other kids to try scientific experiments as well.
“The world of the future will be an even more demanding struggle against the limitations of our intelligence, not a comfortable hammock in which we can lie down to be waited upon by our robot slaves.”
Tips for Maintenance
Try to keep it in a dry area and away from sunlight. Do not stick too many additional objects as more weight would hamper the movement of your creation to a considerable extent. Regularly replace batteries if the motor controls are operated on the former technology.
Do not throw it away immediately in case of breakage or detachment of one or two sides. The internal mechanisms and other important functions can be taught to kids using such destroyed bots. Do not hesitate to repeat the procedure. It might be a good idea to ask your kids to try assembling it on their own on the second or third go.
“Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backward.”
How Can One Learn Robotics?
In case this small activity sparks a commendable amount of interest in your young ones, take it a step further. Depending on their age, a lot of online courses are available these days to teach robotics from basic to advanced levels. Check them out with your kids and enroll as soon as possible if they are interested. Later on, computer programming lessons can be included in the curriculum so that advanced courses can be taught. However, do not try to teach your little ones something they find too complicated. The mental capacity is directly proportional to the age of young ones in most cases.
“Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.”
Conclusion
The techniques mentioned above can really help in making good use of everyday items. Involving kids is even more essential as they need to do something engaging all the time. In addition to the boredom reduction factor, such activities also enhance their practical knowledge and aid in the development of the brain to a considerable extent.
Make sure the kids make judicious use of the new skills acquired, and it is limited to good work only. If they are interested, involve them in more projects. The future of technological work is quite bright, and young minds have been at the forefront for decades. Recognize the innate interests of your kids, and change their futures!
