Kilobots, made from only $15 worth of parts, work together to achieve a group goal. The video explains how with a few simple lines of programming, these tiny robots tackle tasks in much the same way animals or cells have for centuries. With no one in charge, scientists learn to improve the coding and hopefully, one day, cure cancer.

Concepts

robots, nature, linear programming

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Add emergent behavior to pupils' vocabulary lists
• Discuss animals and insects that act as swarms to accomplish great things

Classroom Considerations

• Video fits when studying animals in groups, robotics, programming, nanotechnology, or the future of medicine

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Short video does not require much class time
• Works well in traditional or flipped classrooms

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4