WILL ROBOTS REPLACE HUMANS IN THE FUTURE?

Teacher’s Guide / by Liliane Kupelian with adaptations by Ron Mastine & Judith Rohlf

In this SPEAQ-quest, you will investigate the world of robots.

Your goal is to answer the question “WILL ROBOTS REPLACE HUMANS IN THE FUTURE?”

You are probably already thinking about those robots we see in the movies – Wall.e, I-Robot, …

But realistically, what is the most interesting or amazing thing you have experienced with an actual robot?

What do scientists tell us about what robots will do for us in the future?

Can robots choose or decide to do things or are they just mechanical and electrical machines programmed to do simple jobs?

Let’s find out!

After a series of activities and research, you will have to answer the question “Will Robots Replace Humans in the Future? “.

In a paragraph you will express your opinion on the question.

Your opinion will be published on the Internet such as in the students’ blog section of the school website, in a class forum or your personal site.

Process:  leading to a Product that responds to the T

Here are some sites to visit to prepare for a class discussion.

In a team of 3, each student (A, B, C) chooses a series of links below to investigate and report back to the others.

Take short notes of important information you find on the sites.

Look for information that will answer these ddiscussion questions:

·    What can robots do now? 

·    What is the most interesting or amazing thing you have experienced with an actual robot?

·    What do scientists tell us about what robots will do for us in the future?

·    Can robots choose or decide to do things or are they just mechanical and electrical machines programmed to do simple jobs?

Finally, the class shares their impressions and ideas.

Series A

1.      Find some information on Robot at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robot

2.      See how robots learn to play and expand on music at http://videos.howstuffworks.com/georgia-tech/2470-haile-shows-off-to-a-test-subject-video.htm

3.     Watch robots play soccer in The Evolution of Robots http://videos.howstuffworks.com/georgia-tech/2548-the-evolution-of-robots-video.htm

Series B

1.      Robots: The future is now from a CNN report http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/04/14/fs.roboticsprofile/

2.      Wall.e  the Disney movie  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYoiXtfebzU

Series C

1.      Visit and watch the video Will Robots Replace Humans? at http://videos.howstuffworks.com/georgia-tech/2537-will-robots-replace-humans-video.htm

2.      The Future of Robotics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_robotics

Step 1: Dream Robots

Here are drawings of dream robots designed by 2 high school students.

• With a partner, read the texts on dream robots below.
• Take turns describing and discussing your dream robot. (It can do your homework, do your chores (jobs around the house) and …
• Look at the texts as a resource.

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/absolutenglish-972/notes/inventions/studrobots/page1.htm

Your dream robot:

Step 2: Did I-Robot Commit Murder???

·         Read the questions carefully.

·         Think about what information you need to listen for.

·         Listen to the audio and answer the four comprehension questions. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_robot/trailers.php

·         (Transcript: http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/i/i-robot-script-transcript.html )

Enabling Activity: Grammar Move

What can you do to find the expressions of ability (can, be able to, be capable of)?

• Read the structure in the Robot Moves.
• Read the text My Robot’s Skills to see how the structure can help you find the expressions of ability.   

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/absolutenglish-972/notes/inventions/robotschores.htm

Step 3: Robot Guard-Dragon CAN Sense Smoke!

·         Read the text Robot guard-dragon unveiled in Japan.

·         Circle the expressions of ability (can, able to, capable of).

·         Look at the Robot Moves as a resource.

Robot guard-dragon unveiled in Japan

14 November 2002

A home "guard dragon" robot has been unveiled in Japan. The four-legged robot can sense smoke and alert its owners to a smouldering fire - via a howl or a mobile phone text message. The guard dragon can "confidently" walk over 10-centimetre gaps or climb a 15-centimetre high step using sensors located on its legs. The owner is able to switch the robot into any of three operating modes. The remote control mode allows users to send commands and receive information via mobile phone.

                                    In October, Fujitsu unveiled a similar home robot that is capable of monitoring an entrance hallway or check on a pet, sending video images to the owner's mobile phone. The Maron-1 can also control appliances such as air conditioners. Fujitsu says it hopes to put the vacuum-cleaner sized robot on sale for about $1625 within one year.

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/absolutenglish-972/notes/inventions/vocsearch.htm

 Are there more advanced inventions since 2002 that you know about?

Step 4: Comparing a Human and a Robot

• Individually, complete the following lists. List five ideas for each category.
• You may want to refer to your notes and the Functional Language as resources for ideas.
• With a partner, discuss each other’s answers.

COMPARING A HUMAN AND A ROBOT

Things only humans can do                      Things only robots can do

1.                                                                                             1.

2.                                                                                             2.

3.                                                                                             3.

4.                                                                                             4.

5.                                                                                             5.

Things both humans and robots can do

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/roboticsbeginnerlesson1.pdf

Practicing Writing an Opinion

You will soon have to answer the question “Will Robots Replace Humans in the Future? “ Read the Robot Moves, look at the functional language, the vocabulary and the example.  Then you will write a paragraph based on your opinion to publish.

Here is an example to guide you:

Will Robots Replace Humans in the Future?

I think that robots will replace humans in the future because it will be better to use a robot than a human to perform certain functions.  For example, diffusing a bomb, fighting in a war, a robot teacher in the classroom, a robot parent or a robot best friend. In my opinion, robots are already replacing humans, for example, in the movie industry. The I-Robot can think on its own, learn from its experiences, move about and make decisions similar to a human being. This science fiction robot helps us imagine what robots might be in the future. This shows that robots will replace humans in the future.

 
                 Writing an Opinion

The time has come to answer the question Will Robots Replace Humans?

Refer to this checklist:

CHECKLIST FOR THE WRITING PROCESS

1. I prepare to write

 ¨ I brainstorm with my peers about ideas and topics.

 ¨ I activate prior knowledge of the language to be used

 ¨ I draw upon ideas and personal memories

 ¨ I construct an outline.

 ¨ I use various resources (dictionary, functional language).

2. I write a draft

 ¨ I set down ideas, opinions, thoughts needs and feelings.

 ¨ I leave space to make adjustments.

 ¨ I refer to my outline while writing.

 ¨ I confer with my peers whenever possible.

3. I revise my text

 ¨ I rethink what has been written.

 ¨ I share my writing with my peers

 ¨ I focus on how well I have conveyed meaning, ideas, organization and word choice.

 ¨ I consider the feedback that was given to me.

 ¨ I use strategies for revising.

 ¨ I add, substitute, delete and rearrange ideas and words.

 ¨ I rework my draft

4. I edit my text

¨ I use paper or electronic resources such as written models, dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar references.

¨ I consult peers and the teacher.

5. I publish my text

¨ I make a polished copy.

¨ I share it with the intended audience.

Source : PFEQ English as a Second Language, Core Program MELS Document

Your Instructions:

• Write your ideas in the Notes section.
• Write the draft of your text.
• Revise and edit your text.
• Write your final copy on the next page.

Do you think your facts and examples support your opinion? ¨  Yes   ¨   No  because…

REFLECTION

What did you learn about yourself as a human being during this SPEAQ-quest?

COMPETENCY 3: WRITES AND PRODUCES TEXT RUBRIC

Example levels