Lesson Plan - Do Robots Make the Best Pets?

Watch a Slideshow
Watch the slideshow “The Strange History of Unusual Pets,” then discuss: Which of the pets in the slideshow would you want to have? Why?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• alternative 
• replicate

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about the potential benefits of owning a robot pet.

1. Why does the author share the story of Sophie and her dog Chip at the beginning of the article?
The author shares the story of Sophie and Chip to give an example of a person interacting with a robot pet. This example shows some similarities between real pets and robot pets, like the robot pet playing with its owner. It also shows some differences, like the robot pet having wheels instead of paws.
^{RI.4.8 Author’s Purpose}

2. What are some things a robot pet with artificial intelligence can do?
A robot pet with artificial intelligence can think, learn, and act like a real pet. It can learn new behaviors and show emotions.
^{RI.4.2 Key Details}

3. Based on the article, describe a person for whom a robot pet might be better than a real pet.
Sample response: A robot pet might be better than a real pet for someone with allergies who travels a lot. That’s because robot pets don’t have fur, which can cause people to sneeze or have itchy eyes, and they can be brought along or left home alone without a pet sitter when people go on vacation.
^{RI.4.1 Inference}

Featured Skill: Reasons and Evidence
Share the skill builder “Supporting an Argument.” Have students review the debate and identify and record some of the different types of evidence the author gives for each side. Then have students compare their findings with those of a partner and discuss which types of evidence they find most convincing.
^{RI.4.8 Reasons and Evidence}