Past to Present

This worksheet is designed for Grades 5, 6, and 7 to help students build reading comprehension and technology understanding by exploring how robots have evolved over time. Through an informational passage and comprehension questions, learners examine the differences between early factory robots and modern robotic systems, focusing on motors, sensors, programming, and how robots increasingly work alongside humans. The activity encourages students to think critically about technological change and innovation.

Learning Goals

• Reading Informational Text (Grades 5-7)
  Students read a nonfiction passage and identify key ideas about the history and development of robots.
• Understanding Robotic Systems
  Learners explain how components such as motors, sensors, and software allow robots to function.
• Comparing Past and Present Technology
  Activities prompt students to contrast early robots’ limitations with modern robots’ abilities.
• Historical Progression of Technology
  Students analyze how advances in programming and engineering transformed robots over time.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to make robotics history clear and age-appropriate.
• Comprehension-Focused Questions
  Supports close reading, detail recall, and understanding of cause-and-effect.
• STEM & ELA Integration
  Connects literacy skills with foundational technology and engineering concepts.
• Low-Prep & Classroom-Ready
  Easy to print and use for classwork, homework, or independent practice.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen reading comprehension, comparison, and critical thinking skills while learning how robots have progressed from simple machines to advanced helpers. By exploring the past and present of robotics, learners gain a clearer understanding of how technology continues to evolve and support human work. It’s a practical, no-prep resource that works smoothly in both classroom and homeschool settings while supporting STEM literacy and curiosity about innovation.

This worksheet is part of our The Difference Between Robots and AI Worksheets collection.