Crab Robotics

Lesson Plans

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Lesson Overview:

 Robotics team has been tasked to design a predator to compete against the Maryland Blue Crab. Your team will study the Maryland Blue Crab and other predators in order to understand their functions. After research, you will need to use your knowledge of simple machines, robotics, and 3D printing in order to design and build a predator to compete in the competition. The designed creature should be able to collect food similar to the Blue Crab. This means picking up an object and expelling the “food” from the center.

Lesson Scenario:

 The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the National Hard Crab Derby. The National Hard Crab Derby features the king arthropod of the Eastern Shore, the Blue Crab.  Mr. Krabs is looking to modify the crab races, featuring the Maryland Blue Crab. He would like to see if any other predator has the ability to challenge the Blue Crab. He is looking for engineers to study the Maryland Blue Crab, and design a predator that will beat the Maryland Blue Crab in a closed obstacle course collecting. The challenge will see which designed predator can collect the most food in an obstacle course designed for a Blue Crab.

Lesson or Unit Objectives:

Students will be able to:

    • Observe biological processes and organisms as a source of design inspiration.
    • Predict and understand design functions using knowledge of simple machines. 
    • Design a robotic predator that can compete with the Blue Crab.
    • Create a prototype using 3D printed models and VEX robotics equipment.

Age Level or Subject:

 

    • Grade 10-12, Agriculture Science, Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering

Lesson Plan Download

TRAILS_Design Plan_Crab Robotics

TRAILS_Lesson Plan_Crab Robotics

, , ,


Leave a Reply

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2025 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by TRAILS

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact TRAILS at Trails@purdue.edu.