News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Muscle-Powered Robots Show New Moves
How to use these two pages
Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.
Student worksheetA simple 15–20-minute lesson
- Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
- Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
- Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.
Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.
Answers to the 2 questions
The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.
How does the living tissue produce movement?
Correct answer: C — Muscle tightening
Why: The contraction makes the soft structure bend.
Clue in the story: An ETH Zurich report describes robots combining cultured mouse muscle with a soft, water-rich frame. The team designed both parts together.
Why is use outside the laboratory still difficult?
Correct answer: A — The tissue depends on nutrient liquid
Why: The dependence on liquid is a practical limitation.
Clue in the story: The laboratory devices can jump, swim and grip. However, they depend on nutrient liquid, so long-term use outside the lab remains a challenge.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: What extra challenge appears when a robot contains living tissue?
One possible answer: The devices move, but their living tissue must be kept alive.
This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.