Can a Robot Be a Lifeguard? Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will examine how robot lifeguards help human lifeguards keep people safe.

 

Science Focus:

engineering

 

Social Studies Focus:

summer safety

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, diagrams

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

shallow, drone, life jacket, hovers, prevent

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.5 use text features; RI.2.7 diagrams; RI.2.10 read informational texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Guided Reading Level: 

M

 

Lexile Level: 

520L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on robots.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “Summer Safety Do’s and Don’ts.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following:

  • What is one way you can stay safe in the summer?

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Ask students to predict how robot lifeguards help people.
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about how human lifeguards and robot lifeguards work together.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read..

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think skill sheet. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Review vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are shallow, drone, life jacket, hovers, and prevent.

Assessment: (15 min.)

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

  • Students answer safety questions and practice finding the appropriate summer gear with the “Summer Find It” game.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here’s how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work skill sheet to deepen students’ understanding of the words shallow, life jacket, hovers, and prevent

Editor’s Pick: Writing/Problem Solving (15 min.)

  • Students get to design their own robot and describe how it can help solve a problem with The Benefits of Bots skill sheet.

ELA Focus: Diagrams (15 min.)

  • The Drone Diagram skill sheet has students analyze the parts of a robot lifeguard.

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on robots:

  • “Robo-Pup,” January 2019. This issue explores robots that look like animals and help people in different ways.
  • “Fire Tech Tools,” October 2020. Discover the tools that help fi refi ghters solve problems!

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher-Lexile level: 580L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 430L