Module 5: Robotics Fundamentals
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, teachers will be able to:
Explain what robotics is and how it relates to the CAPS Coding and Robotics curriculum.
Describe the basic components of a robot, including inputs, outputs, sensors, and controllers.
Identify examples of robotics in everyday life and link them to classroom learning.
Understand how robotics can be taught in schools with or without actual robots, using low-tech alternatives.
1. What Is Robotics?.
Robotics is the study and design of machines that can sense their environment, make decisions, and perform actions. In the school context, robotics helps learners understand how technology works and introduces them to engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork.
In the CAPS curriculum, robotics forms a key strand across the phases. It introduces learners to:
simple mechanical systems,
basic electronics,
computational thinking, and
programmable behaviors.
Teaching robotics does not require expensive kits. The goal is to help learners understand the concepts — the technology can come later.
2. The Basic Components of a Robot
Robots are built from a few essential parts that even young learners can understand:
A. Inputs
Inputs are how a robot receives information.
Examples:
Buttons
Sensors (light sensor, sound sensor, motion sensor)
Touchpads
Inputs allow the robot to detect changes in the environment.
B. Processing (the Controller)
The controller is the “brain” of the robot.
It takes information from inputs and decides what to do.
Examples:
Micro:bit
Arduino
Coding blocks in Scratch/Scratch for Micro:bit
Robot’s onboard computer
This is where coding connects to the robot’s behavior.
C. Outputs
Outputs are what the robot does.
Examples:
Lights turning on
Motors moving wheels or arms
Sounds or beeps
Screens displaying messages
Outputs help learners see how coding instructions translate into real actions.
3. Robotics in Everyday Life
Learners already interact with robotics daily — making the topic easy to introduce.
Examples include:
Automatic doors
Dishwashers
Traffic lights
Washing machines
Drones
Elevators
Self-checkout counters
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Connecting robotics to familiar objects helps learners understand that robots are not only “humanoid machines” but everyday tools designed to solve problems.
4. Teaching Robotics With or Without Hardware
Robotics education can be effective even in low-resource classrooms.
A. Low-Tech / No-Tech Options:
Use cardboard wheels, bottle caps, straws, and syringes to build simple mechanisms.
Demonstrate “inputs and outputs” using human bodies (e.g., clapping → student “robot” moves).
Use VEXcode VR or Micro:bit simulator for virtual robots.
Build prototypes from recycled materials.
B. If Robots Are Available:
Use kits like:
LEGO WeDo / LEGO Spike
Micro:bit robots
mBots
Arduino-based kits
Learners can code simple programs to control movement, lights, and sensors.
5. Why Robotics Matters in CAPS
Robotics supports CAPS goals by helping learners:
Understand how technology works at a basic level
Build confidence in engineering and problem-solving
Strengthen computational thinking (cause–effect, sequencing, debugging)
Prepare for future STEM and digital careers
Work collaboratively on design challenges
Apply creativity to build and test solutions
Robotics also supports integrated learning because it uses science, maths, creativity, and coding all together in real-world problem solving.
Reflection
Think of one robotic device you use in your daily life.
What inputs does it receive?
How does it process information?
What outputs does it produce?
How could you use this example to introduce robotics to learners?.