A 9-page unplugged STEM lab on linkage arms, joint torque math, work envelope blueprints, pick-and-place state machines, and Canadarm space case studies.

Introduce spatial kinematics, mechanical advantage, joint torque calculations, 2D work envelope drafting, pick-and-place state machines, and real-world space robotics with Unplugged Robotics & Cyber-STEM Unit 2: Kinematics & Mechanical Arm Geometry! This 9-page printable resource requires zero computers, software, or microcontrollers. Designed for a seamless 60- to 75-minute hands-on lab rotation using inexpensive materials like craft sticks, brass fasteners, rulers, and paper clips.

What Is Included in This 9-Page Pack?

Page 1: Teacher Setup & Master Guide: Master materials checklist, room layout map, craft stick pre-drilling tips, and rotation pacing rules.

Page 2: Student Answer Sheet (1-Page Master Handout): Single, accountable student worksheet designed for easy clipboard rotation through all 5 stations.

Page 3: Station 1 Sign (Linkage Arm Build Lab): Students assemble a 2-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator using craft sticks and brass brads, measuring reach limits and payload capacity.

Page 4: Station 2 Sign (Torque & Mechanical Advantage Lab): Students solve applied physics equations calculating joint torque (T = F x D) and lever arm mechanical advantage ratios (MA = D_effort / D_load).

Page 5: Station 3 Sign (Work Envelope Blueprint): Students use protractors to chart joint rotation limits (0 to 180 degrees), shade maximum reach zones, and analyze mechanical singularity risks.

Page 6: Station 4 Sign (Pick-and-Place State Machine Algorithm): Students trace conditional logic state pathways for an industrial manipulator arm handling automated coordinate positioning and pressure-verified payload gripping.

Page 7: Station 5 Sign (Real-World Case Study): Students read a technical passage on The Shuttle Transport System’s Canadarm, analyzing how microgravity inertia and force-feedback joint sensors govern space robotics.

Page 8: Detailed Teacher Answer Key: Fully solved math problems, reach calculations, state machine responses, schematic standards, and case study key points in plain text.

Page 9: 10-Point Master Grading Rubric: Criteria-based rubric scoring each station on a clear 0-to-2 point scale for straightforward grading.

Learning Objectives & Alignment:

NGSS MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2: Engineering Design & Mechanical Systems Analysis

CSTA 2-AP-10: Unplugged Algorithm Execution & State Machine Logic

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 & MP4: Lever Arm Math, Geometry & Joint Torque Ratios