CAASPP Success - Grade 3 ELA Performance Task #2

Source #1: "What is a Robot?"

Robots are special machines that can do tasks that people usually do. They can move, pick things up, or even talk! Robots are made up of different parts that help them work. To understand what a robot is, let's look at the important parts that make up a robot and how these parts work together to help robots do their jobs.

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A robot usually has three main parts: sensors, processors, and actuators. Sensors are like the robot's eyes and ears. They help the robot see and hear what is happening around it. For example, some robots have cameras to see, and some have microphones to hear sounds. These sensors help the robot understand its surroundings.

Next, we have the processor. The processor is like the robot's brain. It takes the information from the sensors and decides what to do. For example, if a robot senses that there is an object in front of it, the processor might tell the robot to move around it. The processor is very important because it makes sure the robot is doing the right thing. It follows instructions that people program into it. Programming is like giving the robot a set of rules to follow.

The last main part is the actuators. Actuators are like the robot's arms and legs. They help the robot move or do work. For example, if a robot needs to pick up a toy, the actuator moves the robot’s arm to grab it. Some robots roll on wheels, and some have legs to walk. All these movements are controlled by the actuators.

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There are many different kinds of robots, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some robots are small and can fit in your hand, like robot toys that dance or sing. Others are big, like the ones used in factories to build cars. These factory robots have big arms that can lift heavy parts and put them together quickly. Some robots even look like people! These are called humanoid robots. They can walk, talk, and even have faces that show emotions.

Robots are used in many places to help people. For example, in hospitals, robots help doctors by carrying tools or even helping in surgeries. At home, some people use robots to clean the floors. These robots are like little vacuums that move around the house and pick up dirt. In space, robots called rovers help scientists learn more about other planets.

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Robots are very helpful because they can do tasks that are dangerous, boring, or too hard for humans. For example, some robots go into places where it is not safe for people, like inside volcanoes or deep under the sea. They help us learn more about the world and do jobs that make life easier and safer for everyone.

In the future, robots might become even smarter and be able to do even more things. For now, robots are exciting machines that help us in many ways, and they keep getting better every day!

Source #2: "Learning and Having Fun with Robots!"

Imagine learning with robots—an adventure where you build, create, and explore! Robots aren’t just for scientists; they’re for anyone who loves to solve problems, invent new things, and have fun. Learning about robots is exciting because it combines creativity, teamwork, and important skills that help you think like an engineer or a scientist. Let’s dive into the world of robots and discover how they can help you learn in amazing ways!

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One of the most exciting ways to learn about robots is by building them yourself. You can start with simple robot kits that come with pieces like motors (which make robots move), wheels, and sensors (which help robots see, hear, or feel things around them). When you put these pieces together, you create a robot that can move, light up, or make sounds. But that’s just the beginning! After building the robot, you get to program it. Programming is writing a list of steps, called code, that tells the robot what to do. For example, you can program your robot to follow a path, avoid obstacles, or even perform a dance! Learning to code is like learning a new language that helps you communicate with computers and robots. And guess what? Coding is a superpower! It teaches you how to think step-by-step, solve problems, and be creative.

Joining a robotics club is another fantastic way to explore the world of robots. In a robotics club, you work with others to design and build robots that can complete different challenges. For example, your team might build a robot that needs to pick up objects or solve a maze. Working in a team helps you learn how to share ideas, listen to others, and cooperate to solve problems together. It also shows you that there are many ways to solve a problem, and the best solutions often come from working as a team. Being part of a robotics club is like being on an adventure where you’re all inventors!

Robotics competitions take this excitement to the next level. These are events where teams bring their robots to compete in different challenges, like racing through an obstacle course or sorting objects by color. Competitions teach you how to debug—which means finding and fixing problems in your robot’s code. This helps you learn to think like a scientist, testing and improving your robot until it works perfectly. The best part is meeting others who are just as excited about robots as you are. It’s a chance to share ideas, learn from each other, and feel proud of what you’ve created!

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Learning about robots also helps you understand how technology can change the world. For example, some robots help doctors perform surgeries more safely, while others explore deep oceans or distant planets. By learning how these robots work, you can start thinking about how robots could solve problems in your community. What if you could invent a robot that helps clean up parks, sorts recycling, or helps someone who needs extra assistance? Learning about robots can inspire you to create something that makes a real difference!

There are also many workshops and programs in schools, libraries, and community centers that introduce you to robotics and coding. In these workshops, you get to experiment with different types of robots, learning by doing and seeing the results of your efforts right away. These programs often make learning about robots feel like play, and they help you discover just how much fun science and technology can be.