STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– Writing Tips & Resources

AI & Robots Activities

When beginning to research this month’s topics (AI & Robots) I needed to look no further than my own writers’ group. Longtime member George Anthony Kulz is our resident technical guru with books out about both topics. And he is a prime example for the success strategies of STEAM. While he uses his technical skills and knowledge for his work, he has also been honing his creative writing skills. Combining the two has resulted in a complementary career as a children’s book author, showing how important it is to balance the sciences with the arts.

I asked George several questions about his writing and how he got there. At the end of this article, there are some resources for kid activities that combine visual art, writing, and science.

You have been asked to write a number of books about technology. How did you come by your interest and knowledge?

I have always been interested in technology since I was a kid. My dad worked as an electronics technician and loved learning about new technology. He passed that interest on to me. I mostly do my own research on new technology. I also hold a B.S. and a M.S. in Computer Engineering and have worked as a software engineer since 1993. I am currently enrolled in a computer science program at Johnson and Wales University to learn about the latest developments in computer science today and to refresh my existing knowledge.

AI in the Real World cover image

You are not only an experienced computer scientist, you are also an accomplished and imaginative writer. You write middle grade ghost stories. Do you think technology and creative writing can be partners?

There are a lot of similarities between developing technology and developing a story, and certainly knowing one can definitely help with the other.

For both, you are trying to solve a problem. When developing technology, the problem is a real-world problem, like: how do I land a rocket on the moon? When developing a story, the problem is an imaginary one and most likely your main character’s problem, like: how is Myles going to catch that ghost that’s been hanging around the graveyard down the street?

To solve a problem, you need a set of steps to get there. Related to technology, that set of steps is called an algorithm. In a story, it’s called a plot. In both the development of technology and a story, there may be a series of smaller problems that need to be overcome in order to move step-by-step to the solution. Keep in mind that, in order to stay focused, every step in building technology and building a story should take you (or your character) closer and closer to the goal of solving the problem.

Setbacks are inevitable when trying to accomplish anything. Maybe in the real world, they’re not fun and can be frustrating. In the story’s imaginary world, setbacks may not be fun for the main character. But in both cases, setbacks can build character and can make the one solving the problem more determined to succeed. Keep track of these setbacks. When building technology, it’s good to write these down so you can learn from them. In your story, it’s good to write setbacks down because it helps to build suspense and keep the reader interested in your character’s journey to get to their goal.

Most important of all, though, is that in developing both technology and a story, you need to use your imagination. Some of the best technological advances came from someone’s creativity. Just like some of the best stories.

What kinds of activities did you do as a kid that channeled you into a technology career as well as having interest in writing for kids?

One thing that most affected my decision to go into a technology field was a Christmas gift my dad gave me when I was very young. It was a kit of electronic parts that, when put together, made a real working radio. Another was playing home video games and wondering how they worked and how I could create some of my own.

My love of stories came from my mom, who read to me almost from the day I was born. My love of writing definitely came from one of my elementary school teachers. I developed a love of language because he constantly challenged me to learn new words and encouraged me to read well beyond my grade level. It was in his class that I wrote my first short story, and I fell in love with the idea of writing from that point on.

Hobby & Competition Robots cover

Do you have advice for kids who would like to do the same?

First, understand that you can do more than one thing. A person is not just a software engineer. They’re also not just a writer. In fact, there are no limits to what a person can do. Just remember to do what makes you happy. If you want to be a dancer and also fix cars, do both. If you want to be a teacher and also fly airplanes, do both. In my case, I like to create software and also like to write. When someone asked me if I could write a book about some software topics, I thought: Wow, what a great idea. I never thought of that before. I had found a way to do both of my favorite things at the same time!

Once you find those things that make you happy, learn everything you can about them, however you can, from whomever you can. Find others who share the same excitement about those things that excite you. It’s always better when you do things with others. Plus, you can always learn something from anyone you meet.

Then, once you think you know enough, go out and do those things. Don’t be afraid to fail. It builds character. You can learn from your mistakes. You can always (and probably will) do better next time. And who knows? Doing those things that you love may take you to some interesting places that you never imagined.

Thank you, George, for insightful advice! Here are the links for the two books above.

https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Intelligence-Real-World-Set-ebook and Hobby-Competition-Robots-Robot-Innovations.

For more activities, I went to Teachers Pay Teachers, a website of sharing teaching activities. It offers both free and paid materials developed by teachers. I found a number of art, writing, and robot projects for different age groups. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/

Friendly Robot image
Energy Robot image
Descriptive Writing image

And think about George’s advice – do what makes you happy. The arts are a path to enjoyment of sciences, as well as increased learning and invention. Remember STEAM!

Margo Lemieux and George Kulz are members of The Magic Storymakers, a children’s writing group that was started in 1998. They both have stories in Kaleidoscope for Kids, an anthology with contributions from members of the group (and Margo has art too).

Credits

The Knitted Apple (Energy Robot)

 

Happily Ever Elementary   

(Friendly Robot)

Redfly Classroom

(Descriptive Writing Robots)

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– In the Classroom

 

Not long ago, robots and artificial intelligence were the imagination of science fiction books and movies. Yet every day, advances in technology, robotics, and engineering are making them a reality! The book suggestions this month put a spotlight on the history of robotics and artificial intelligence and are a great starting point for classroom discussions and activities.

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgBots! Robotics Engineering: With Hands-One Makerspace Activities
by Kathy Ceceri and Lena Chandhok

This book explores how robots play a vital role in our world. It details the history and theory of programming and robotics, and includes many hands-on robotics projects that help children learn design, engineering, and coding. It is beautifully formatted and fun to read.

Classroom Activity
This book is full of activities that can be adapted for the classroom. One activity asks students to build a simple tilt sensor with LED lights. It can be made with household objects such as an index card, aluminum foil, tape, 2 LED lights, and a 3-volt battery. Students can build and test the sensor. Then have them decide what, if any, improvements they would make to the sensor design? How could a sensor like this be used in the real world?

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgNational Geographic Kids Everything Robotics: All the Photos, Facts, and Fun to Make You Race for Robots
by Jen Swanson

Robots don’t simply occupy the space of fiction these days, as they have infiltrated everyday life. Robots can fix aircrafts, dance, tell jokes, and even clean your carpet! Swanson gives a great history of robotics and adds a section of the future of robotics. Fantastic writing along with eye catching visuals.

Classroom Activity
Many times, scientists have turned to nature to come up with unique robot designs. Now it is your turn. Have students design and sketch their own robot inspired by nature. What part of nature inspired their robot? What problem does it solve or job does it do?

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgRobot
by Lucy Rogers

Get up close and personal with more than 100 different robots, from automata to androids. This browsable book from DK is divided into sections based on different jobs the robots perform, like rescuing people after natural disasters, packing food in factories, and taking care of hospital patients. Each spread features captivating, full-color photo illustrations as well as essential statistics and facts about each robot.

Classroom Activity
Robots are all around us. What robots are in your daily life? Have students make a list of the robots they encounter every day – at school, at home, at the mall, and more. What jobs do these robots perform? What are the benefits of these robots? What are the drawbacks? Have students brainstorm ideas for a new robot at school. What would the robot do? What would it look like? How would it help students and teachers?

More Robot Fun

Want to watch a few robots in action? Take a look at these videos:

Warehouse Robots at Work

Robot Ai-Da Creates Art

Robot Dancing

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Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and dog. Find her at http://www.carlamooney.com, on Facebook @carlamooneyauthor, or on Twitter @carlawrites.

 

STEM Tuesday — Robotics and Artificial Intelligence– Book List

 

 

 

 

 

There’s no denying it, we can’t escape the growing fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. Below are book suggestions for readers who wish to learn more about the history of robotics and AI, as well as how to create their own inventions

 

National Geographic Kids Everything Robotics: All the Photos, Facts, and Fun to Make You Race for Robots

by Jen Swanson

Robots don’t simply occupy the space of fiction these days, as they have infiltrated every day life. Robots can fix aircrafts, dance, tell jokes, and even clean your carpet! Swanson gives a great history of robotics and also adds a section of the future of robotics. Fantastic writing along with eye catching visuals.

 

 

Spare Parts book cover

Spare Parts (Young Readers’ Edition): The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream

By Reyna Grande (Adapter), Joshua Davis (Author)

Spare Parts is a true story based on Joshua Davis’ New York Times bestseller. The narrative chronicles the life of four undocumented Mexican teenagers who join a robotics class. Through that class, a new friendships develops. With their passion and determination, they take on MIT in the National Robotics Nationals Championship.

 

 

Machines That Think!: Big Ideas That Changed the WorldMachines That Think! Big Ideas That Changed the World #2

by Don Brown

Award-winning author Don Brown explores computers and technology in this installment of the Big Ideas that Changed the World series. Brown takes a look at machines throughout history, giving a nod to great minds such as Ada Lovelace and Bill Gates. It’s   written as a graphic novel with punchy illustrations.

 

 

 

Machine Learning for Kids: A Project-Based Introduction to Artificial Intelligence"Machine Learning for Kids" book cover

by Dale Lane

This is a hands-on application-based introduction to machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence). Readers will be able to create AI-powered games and applications using Scratch programming language. Some ideas are a Rock, Paper, Scissors game that recognizes your hand shapes and a movie recommendation app.

 

 

Bots! Robotics Engineering: With Hands-On Makerspace Activities Bots! Robotics Engineering: With Hands-On Makerspace Activities a book by Kathy Ceceri and Lena Chandhok

by Kathy Ceceri and Lena Chandhok

This book explores how robots play a vital role in our world. It details the history and theory of programming and robotics, and includes many hands-on robotics projects that help children learn design, engineering, and coding. It’s beautifully formatted and fun to read

 

 

Robot

by Lucy Rogers

Get up close and personal with more than 100 different robots, from automata to androids. This browseable book from DK is divided into sections based on different jobs the robots perform, like rescuing people after natural disasters, packing food in factories, and taking care of hospital patients. Each spread features captivating, full-color photo illustrations as well as essential statistics and facts about each robot.

 

Maker Comics: Build a RobotMaker Comics: Build a Robot!

by Colleen AF Venable and Kathryn Hudson

A talking toaster? An army of evil robots? A plot to take over the world? Embedded within this outrageously entertaining graphic novel are step-by-step instructions for building robots. Using easy-to-source components and everyday household items, readers can follow along with this “ultimate DIY guide” to make six different working bots.

 

Artificial Intelligence: Thinking Machines and Smart Robots Artificial Intelligence

by Angie Smibert

For kids that want to dive a little deeper into artificial intelligence, this book provides a great primer. It explores the development and implications of emerging AI technology from a variety of perspectives, including sci-fi, computer science, and ethics. Pop-out sections introduce readers to essential vocabulary words and encourage hands-on exploration of concepts.

 

 

Science Comics: Robots and Drones: Past, Present, and FutureScience Comics: Robots and Drones

by Mairghread Scott and Jacob Chabot

A mechanical bird named Pouli leads readers on a whirlwind tour of the history and technology behind robots and drones. Like other volumes in the Science Comics series, this book is packed full of information, and its graphic novel format is sure to keep kids engaged.

 

 

 

Hubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by HumansHubots: Real-World Robots Inspired by Humans

by Helaine Becker and Alex Ries

Humanoid robots, or “hubots,” can walk, talk, think, learn, work, and play. This short book features 10 different hubots, explaining both the human-like features and the superhuman abilities of these incredible machines.

 

 


This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

 

Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) and THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie Dean

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She writes stories that spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore their world. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.