Robotic space arm challenge | Activities

You’ll need

Robotic arm template (one per group)
Device with internet connection (optional)
Scissors (per group)
Box cutters (per group)
Split pins (15 per group)
Hot glue gun
Toy building bricks or wooden blocks
Ping pong balls
Marshmallows
Small bucket
Medium sized plastic bowl
Timer or stopwatch
A4 Strong card X 4

Robotic Space Arm Template

PDF – 78.5KB

Download

Before you begin

Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There's also more guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.
Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help.

Planning and setting up this activity

Make sure you have enough craft supplies already set up for each team.
Make sure you have enough copies of the template for each team.
Make sure you have collected enough strong cardboard boxes for the task.
Set up the three mission stations around the room.

Running this activity

Gather everyone together and tell them that today they will understand how robotic arms are used in space missions. Your are a team of engineers working on the International Space Station. A critical piece of equipment has broken outside the station. It’s too dangerous for an astronaut to go on a spacewalk, so you must design and operate a robotic arm to fix it. The success of your mission depends on precision, speed, and teamwork!
The task today will be building a simple mechanical “robotic arm” using everyday materials. They will then test their robotic arm through a series of space-themed challenges that require precision and teamwork.
Show a picture or short video of the Canadarm2, the robotic arm on the International Space Station (ISS). Robotic arms are used to capture spacecraft, move supplies, and assist astronauts. They must be accurate, strong, and easy to control.
Separate everyone into pairs.
Give each team their own craft equipment pack as listed on the 'You will need' list above on the webpage.
Firstly they need to cut out the template and use that to draw onto the card.
They then cut out the pieces of card.
On each of the strips of card mark dots about 3 cm from each end with a pencil.
Overlap two strips in an “X” shape and connect with a split pin at the centre.
Repeat until you have three X-shaped sections linked together.
The final two strips should be attached to the two last X-shaped sections, on each side with split pins.
Connect the two circles, one on each ends of the strips (stick to the opposite end to step 11) each with hot glue gun and weight it down with books or something heavy so it sticks.
Once you are happy with your robotic arm test it out with the following missions listed below.

Reflection

Real robotic arms, like the Canadarm2, use multiple joints and precise motors instead of split pins and card. Engineers test many prototypes before choosing a final design - just like you did today. What part of your robotic arm design was the strongest or most useful? How did your team work together to solve problems?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Glue and solvents: Always supervise young people appropriately when they’re using glue and solvent products. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by glue or solvent use and make adjustments as needed.
Flammable items: Always take care when using flammable items, especially if you’re near fire. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
Scissors: Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.
Sharp objects: Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.
Rubbish and recycling: All items should be clean and suitable for this activity.
Online safety: Supervise young people when they’re online and give them advice about staying safe. Take a look at our online safety or bullying guidance. The NSPCC offers more advice and guidance, too. If you want to know more about specific social networks and games, Childnet has information and safety tips for apps. You can also report anything that’s worried you online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command. As always, if you’ve got concerns about a young person’s welfare, including their online experiences, follow the Yellow Card to make a report.
Science: Supervise young people, and only do science activities that are advised and age appropriate for your section. Test activities first, to make sure you’re confident you can lead them safely. Use protective clothing where necessary.
Hot tools: Tools, such as irons and glue guns, produce a lot of heat. Never touch the hot metal parts. Use them under adult supervision and on a suitable surface, protecting it if necessary. Never leave hot tools unattended and be careful near combustible materials such as wood, textiles, or paper. Make sure there’s a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit (with items to treat burns) nearby. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. You may need to use gloves and safety goggles with glue guns.

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.