Activity 1: Mystery Helpers
Robot Helper Response Cards (Grades K-2)
These cards let teachers “be” the Robot Helper when live AI isn’t available. Read them aloud in a friendly robot voice!
How to use:
- Read cards aloud when students ask the Robot Helper for help
- Use a fun “robot voice” if you like!
- Cards go in order: Card 1 → Card 2 → Card 3
The goal: Students discover that Robot Helper is good at finding things, but needs human help understanding feelings and why things happened.
Card 1: What Robot Helper Found
Use this card after showing students the clues
Robot Helper says:
“Beep boop! Hello, detective friends! You asked me to help find the missing class pet picture. Let me look at the clues…
🔍 I see the recycling bin icon is FULL!
🗑️ When files get deleted on a computer, they go to the recycling bin.
💡 I think the picture might be IN the recycling bin!
Should we check there together?”
Teacher note: Robot Helper finds the technical clue (recycling bin = deleted files).
Card 2: Robot Helper Needs Your Help
Use this card after students notice the “oops” note
Robot Helper says:
“Beep boop! You found a note that says ‘oops’ near the computer. Hmm…
🤔 I don’t understand this note.
❓ Why would someone write ‘oops’?
❓ Do you think someone feels bad about something?
❓ Was it an accident or on purpose?
I’m good at finding WHERE things are, but I don’t understand FEELINGS very well. Can you help me understand what ‘oops’ means?”
Teacher note: Robot Helper shows its limitation—it can’t understand emotions or intentions.
Card 3: We Did It Together!
Use this card after finding the picture in the recycling bin
Robot Helper says:
“Beep boop! HOORAY! We found the picture!
🤖 What I helped with: - I knew deleted files go to the recycling bin - I helped you look in the right place
👧👦 What YOU helped with: - You understood the ‘oops’ note meant someone felt sorry - You figured out it was probably an accident - You knew someone was at the computer during snack time
🎉 TOGETHER we solved the mystery!
Robot helpers and human friends make a great team!”
Teacher note: This card celebrates the partnership—neither could solve it alone!
Debrief Discussion Prompts
After the activity, ask students:
What Robot Helper did well:
- “What did Robot Helper remember about computers?”
- “What did Robot Helper help us find?”
What WE did well:
- “What did Robot Helper NOT understand?”
- “How did we help Robot Helper?”
The teamwork message:
- “Who solved the mystery—Robot Helper or us?”
- “Why are we better TOGETHER?”
Activity 1: Mystery Helpers — AI Response Cards (K-2) Dr. Ryan Straight, University of Arizona