Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
05/14/2018
Atlas the robot goes out for a run
Robotic design company Boston Dynamics has improved its signature humanoid robot. Atlas is now running — and it looks more agile than some older versions. Last week, the company released new video of its Atlas robot performing various tasks and going out for a nice run outdoors. The company has been developing robots for 26 years and is getting ready to finally start selling some next year.
■Class discussion: What do you think of the ability of the robot in the video? Do you ever expect to compete with a robot for a job? Why or why not? What jobs do you think robots will be able to do? Do you think robots may be able to take care of most household tasks? Would you like to design, program or build robots? What do you need for those jobs?