Bassma and the Robot Time Machine: A Curious Journey Through History of Robotics

Where did robots begin-and how did one clever idea lead to another? When robots visit Bassma's school, she cannot stop wondering how they see, move, follow instructions, and complete their tasks. Her question follows her home, fills her dinner conversation, and stays in her thoughts as she falls asleep. That night, a glowing gear opens the door to a magical Robot Time Machine. With ten mysterious gears waiting to be unlocked, Bassma travels through thousands of years of invention. She discovers ancient Egyptian water clocks, Archytas's legendary mechanical pigeon, Hero of Alexandria's automatic machines, and the remarkable clocks and automata of Al-Jazari. Her journey continues through Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical knight, Vaucanson's lifelike automata, Unimate, Shakey, ASIMO, and the intelligent robots helping people today. At every stop, Bassma must observe, ask questions, and uncover one important idea. She learns how water, air, gears, instructions, sensors, planning, balance, and human imagination gradually shaped the history of robotics. But when the final gear asks what the robots of tomorrow should do, Bassma discovers that knowledge alone is not enough. The best inventions also need responsibility, kindness, imagination, and heart. Part of the Growing with Bassma(TM) series, this beautifully illustrated STEM adventure encourages children to explore history, engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and the power of thoughtful ideas. Designed for curious children ages 5-9, families, teachers, homeschoolers, and young readers who love robots, inventions, science, and time-travel adventures. Includes engaging bonus activities: - A child-friendly robotics timeline - A glowing-gear maze - Robotics vocabulary practice - A design-your-own helpful robot activity - A spot-the-differences challenge >Every invention answers one question-and creates another.