R U A Robot?

Robotics started as 19^th century science fiction, and is now a growing field of science. Explore our newest relative.

CONNECT:

• Explore the different tasks that robots do: at http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/
• What can robots do – or not do? Check the facts at http://idahoptv.org/sciencetrek/topics/robots/facts.cfm
• Visit a whole museum about robots at http://www.the-robotman.com/
• The first time the word “robot” was used was in the play R.U.R.. Read about it at http://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/sf/r.u.r.html
• Read 20 great books about robotics: http://robohub.org/20-great-books-to-hook-kids-and-teens-on-robotics/

CREATE:

• Design and build a robotic rover with cardboard and a balloon; follow the directions at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/summer/education_resources/engineering_grades7-9/E_nanorover.html#.VldOj793EZw
• You can also build your own virtual robot, and use it for gaming – at http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/R/robots/constructor.html
• Consider visiting – and participating – in a robot competition, listed at http://www.robofest.net/ and http://robots.net/rcfaq.html
• Dance like a robot at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggadhy--yLs

CARE:

• Support the US, NASA, AND Robots by joining the Robotics Alliance as a family: http://robotics.arc.nasa.gov/email/subscribe.php
• Robots can protect people -- by finding and defusing bombs, and taking on other hazardous duties. Watch how they work at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/robots/
• Here are 9 more awesome ways that robots help people: http://mic.com/articles/118712/9-awesome-robots-that-are-helping-to-save-the-world#.j1QERWk9o
• See how driverless cars work: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/driverless-car.htm  Consider: should a driverless car kill the passenger to save a child outside? http://qz.com/245142/should-your-driverless-car-kill-you-to-save-a-child/

CAREERS:

Interested in robots? Or robotics? Don’t just sit there; get moving!

• You could become a robotics engineer: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/robotics-engineer
• Read about other robotics career paths at http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/robotics/careercorner/#.VldeD793EZw.
• Watch NASA’s video to get career advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyE6l7Ewko8&feature=youtu.be&list=PL9TFrgFq7557J_fG5s4TsNmSqwFuEjaFU
• It’s not only a science career. Think about manufacturing and selling, health, writing, clothing, illustration, even food preparation.

Are You Awake?

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Here are facts and fun about sleep that will keep you awake.

CONNECT:

What are you sleepy? Can’t sleep? Get the answers and more about kids and sleep at http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/JustForKids/Life/OnePagers/Pages/OnePagerSleep.aspx

What causes snoring? Find out all the facts at http://www.medicinenet.com/snoring/article.htm

How do astronauts sleep in space? Read how at https://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMAIP6TLPG_LifeinSpace_0.html

And watch the NASA sleep station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICCuD4M9nIs

Did you know snails can sleep for years, and that giraffes sleep about 20 minutes a day? http://mentalfloss.com/article/66194/15-amazing-sleeping-habits-animals has amazing facts about animal sleeping habits.

What are dreams? Why do we dream? Why do nightmares occur? Here’s the science about dreams: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/dreaming-overview

Have you ever been asked, “Are you asleep?” You can see what sleep looks like in the brain by watching http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/sleep.html

Find out about the universal language of lullabies at http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21035103

CREATE:

Learn how to sing lullabies to babies by following the pictures at http://www.wikihow.com/Sing-Lullabies-to-Babies.

Here are 12 ways to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/sleep/12-ways-to-make-your-bedroom-more-sleep-friendly

Have fun with sleep-related games and puzzles – and more—at http://www.sleepforkids.org/

Here is a collection of calming activities for kids: http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/11110/go-to-sleep-go-to-sleep

CARE:

Do you owe your body a debt – of sleep? This video explains how much sleep do you need: https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

Do you sleep walk, or know someone who does? What accommodations should you make? Find out at http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/sleepwalking.html

When you’re sick, rest and sleep is usually recommended. http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=304&id=1717#5 gives good advice about child sickness and their body needs.

Know somewith with a baby? Create a lullaby playlist for them by following the directions at http://www.mommasociety.com/momma-society/how-to-create-a-lullaby-playlist-and-giveaway

CAREERS:

Want to sleep for a living? It can be more than mattress testing. The field of sleep medicine, for instance, offers several career options: http://school.sleepeducation.com/sleepcareers.aspx