Can a Robot Shop for Groceries?

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

6

Overview

In this learning activity, students will be introduced to automation through automated grocery shopping. Students begin the activity by reviewing their most recent grocery shopping experience. Then they are invited to brainstorm ways they think the traditional grocery shopping experience would be different if it was automated. Students will watch a video about an automated grocery packing warehouse. Finally, they will describe aspects of automating the grocery shopping experience that increases efficiency. 

Phase

Before/Engage
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

DLCS18.6.7

Describe how automation works to increase efficiency.

UP:DLCS18.6.7

Vocabulary

  • automation

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how automation works to increase efficiency.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • describe how automation increases efficiency.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • automation works to increase efficiency.

Learning Objectives

The students will describe how automation works to increase the efficiency of the grocery shopping experience.

Activity Details

This should be used as an introduction to automation.

  1. The teacher will begin the lesson by asking the students to turn and talk to their partners about their most recent grocery shopping experience. How long did it take? Were they able to find all of the items on their grocery list? Did they forget an item? Did they have a pleasant shopping experience? (The teacher may choose to set a timer for 5 minutes for the turn and talk.)
  2. Allow a few minutes for students to share their experiences. Then the teacher will explain that in today's activity, they will learn about automation. Show the video What is Industrial Automation?
  3. After watching the video, the teacher will ask the students to turn to their partner again and this time brainstorm ways they think the traditional grocery shopping experience would be different if it was automated. 
  4. Allow students time to brainstorm with their partners.
  5. Show the video See the Warehouse Where AI-Driven Bots Pick Groceries.
  6. After showing the video, have the students complete a graphic organizer listing three aspects of automating the grocery shopping experience that increases efficiency. 

Assessment Strategies

Have the students complete the graphic organizer listing three aspects of automating the grocery shopping experience that increases efficiency. 

Background / Preparation

  • The teacher will need to watch the video prior to showing it in the classroom to make sure it will not be blocked by school security.
  • A copy of the graphic organizer will be needed for each student. 

Learning Activity (Before)

Total Duration

0 to 15 Minutes

Learning Activity (During)

Learning Activity (After)

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