Origins

A tiny robot made of scrap metal is wandering through a forest when he discovers a part of his history. He goes off to find more, but will he like what he finds?

Watch this video with your children, and then try some of our teaching and activity ideas below.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Write and record a narration / voiceover for the story.
• Write a story (from the point of view of the robot) to describe what happens. Remember to include examples of how the robot is feeling at different points.
• Write a prequel and / or a sequel to the story.
• Stop the video at the point when the robot falls asleep on the train. What might happen next?
• Write an ‘alternative ending’ for the story, in which the robot explores further in the factory. What might he find?
• Make a persuasive poster to advertise this little robot to people who might want to buy him. How could he help them? What jobs might he do?

Science

• What has happened to the paint on the robot’s body? Why do materials sometimes rust?
• Think about the strength of different materials – why did the manufacturers of the robot decide to use those particular materials? What else could they have used?

Computing

• Make an animation that tells a new story about a robot.

Design Technology

• Think about the materials that the robot is made from.
• Can you create your own model of the robot?

Art

• Think about the use of colour in the film. What colours are most prominent at different points? Why? How does this change the atmosphere of the story?
• Create an autumn scene showing a forest with a tiny robot wandering through it.
• Make a movie poster to advertise the film.

Music

• Close your eyes and listen to the music. Can you describe it?
• Could you compose a new tune to be used as the soundtrack for the film?

Geography

• Draw a map that shows the route that the little robot takes throughout the short film.

PSHE

• The leaf reminds the robot of his home. Make a list of things that remind you of home.