News by Levels · Level 3 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Living Tissue Drives Small Robotic Devices
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.
What is converted into movement by the scaffold?
Correct answer: A — Muscle tightening
Why: The contraction makes the soft structure bend.
Clue in the story: ETH Zurich researchers jointly designed cultured muscle and a hydrogel scaffold to convert contractions into larger movements. The devices measure about 1.5 centimetres.
Which limitation prevents a claim of sustained real-world readiness?
Correct answer: B — The tissue requires nutrient solution
Why: The dependence on liquid is a practical limitation.
Clue in the story: Jumping and grasping have been demonstrated, but the tissue requires a nutrient solution. The work does not establish a robot ready for sustained real-world operation.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Distinguish a laboratory demonstration from a ready-to-use device.
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.