Subject key:
- Science
- Design & Technology
- Engineering
- Maths
Student age:
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Activity (0.5MB)
Human vs. Hermes activity description, guidelines and curriculum links
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Scenario (0.5MB)
Student handout setting the scenario for the activity
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Newspaper Article (0.3MB)
An example article on the use of robots in place of surgeons
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Worksheet (1.2MB)
Guidance on how to develop an argument to support the case either for or against the Hermes surgical robot
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Handout (0.5MB)
A writing frame as a guide for students
Human vs. Hermes
Type: Main activity (45 mins)
Telemedicine is a new and fast developing field in healthcare. Even 20 years ago the idea of a surgeon being able to operate a robot from hundreds of miles away in order to perform an operation seemed like science fiction.
Today, this is not only possible but engineers, working with scientists and doctors, are now designing robotic systems which will be able to operate on patients with no human intervention at all.
This activity is designed as a main lesson activity.
Students consider the social, ethical and moral issues associated with the development of new technology. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with PSHE, PSE, PSD.
Related resources
Engineering context
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