Building Junkbots—Robots from Recycled Materials
- Understand the difference between open, closed, and short circuits.
- Apply the engineering design process to iteratively test and improve a robot.
OverviewJunkbots are easy-to-build robots that you can make using a simple circuit and some recyclable materials. In this lesson, your students will learn about engineering design as they compete to build the fastest robot. No previous robotics experience is required!NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() To build a junkbot you will need a motor, a battery pack, and two double A batteries. Other household items include a cardboard box, glue, rolls of tape, scissors, plastic cup, plastic bottle, cork, popsicle sticks, paper clips, plastic straws, metal cans, and a cardboard tube. For each student or small group of students building a robot, you will need these items in the Bristlebot Robotics Kit from our partner Home Science Tools (also available as a Classroom Kit specially priced for teachers):
For the entire class, you will need:
Disclaimer: Science Buddies participates in affiliate programs with Home Science Tools, Amazon.com, Carolina Biological, and Jameco Electronics. Proceeds from the affiliate programs help support Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. Our top priority is student learning. If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. Write to us at scibuddy@sciencebuddies.org. Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour
Area of Science
Robotics
Key Concepts
Circuits, friction, engineering design
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
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