Robot dogs are clean and easy to care for. But can they replace real dogs?
Shutterstock.com
Arf! Arf! Your dog, Coco, wakes you up. She grabs you a pair of socks while you get dressed for school. Later you see her wagging her tail in the window as you board the school bus.
Sound familiar? Plenty of kids have pups like Coco. But there’s one big difference between Coco and other dogs. Coco is a robot!
None of the Mess
Tomas van Houtryve/VII/Redux
Robot Dog
A group of girls play with Genibo, a robot dog from South Korea.
Before you say anything, think about this: Robot dogs can act like real dogs. Genibo is a robot dog made in South Korea. It can recognize its owner’s face and follow directions. It can move its head to show that it’s listening. It can even wag its tail to show excitement. Isn’t that what we want from a pet?
Plus, computer canines have many benefits. They’re easy to care for. They don’t need food, walks, or trips to the vet. And they don’t make a mess. They won’t chew up your favorite Frisbee or have an accident on the carpet.
Last, a robot dog is a great way to learn about technology. It offers learning experiences in STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. That helps kids prepare for the future. What better way to start than with a puppy pal?
Happier and Healthier
JasonDoiy/Getty Images
Real Dog
A boy bonds with his furry friend.
Still, some people argue there’s no substitute for a real dog. Research shows that living with a live pet makes people happier and healthier. We get exercise by taking our dog on walks. And we learn to bond with our pup. Could we really feel the same rush of love for a machine?
Besides, even the tiring parts of having a dog—like walking it and keeping it fed—teach kids responsibility and kindness. Taking care of a live dog and cleaning up its mess can help kids build compassion, or the feeling of wanting to help others.
Plus, millions of dogs need homes. Why would we choose a robot dog when we can help rescue an actual dog?
Your family is thinking about a dog, and it’s time to decide: robot or real?
Would You Want a Robot Dog?
Would You Want a Robot Dog?
Would You Want a Robot Dog?
What do you think?
Go back to the article and write down reasons to support each side of the debate. Then study the points on both sides. State your opinion in one sentence, which can be the introduction to an opinion paragraph.
Can't Miss Teaching Extras
Have your classroom weigh in on other pet-related debates: “Cats vs. Dogs” and “Are Class Pets a Good Idea? Afterward, click on the Resources Tab for in-depth Skill Builders (including an opinion writing activity).
Robot dogs make good pets . . . and classmates? See how an elementary school in Georgia welcomed a robot dog into their third-grade classroom in this article—there’s a video of him too!
1. PREPARING TO READ
Have students preview the text features. Ask:
2. READING THE DEBATE
3. DISCUSSING
As a class or in groups, have students discuss:
4. CULMINATING ACTIVITY
OR
5. CHECK COMPREHENSION
6. PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE POLL
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARD
