The Wild Robot
- Grades: 6 to 9
- Common Sense Media: parents say 7+, kids say 7+
- CS strength: 4 out of 5
- SEL strength: 2 out of 5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97% critics, 98% audience
What happens
A shipwreck leaves a robot named Roz alone on a wild island. Her programming says to complete tasks, but nobody on the island has any tasks for her. To survive she has to learn the animals’ language, earn their trust, and, in an unexpected way, become part of a family. Then a harsh winter threatens everyone.
Why we watch it
Roz begins by following her programming and ends up learning from the world around her, which makes her a good way into how machines learn and adapt. It is also a story about community, belonging and taking care of others. Students can compare how Roz learns with how apps learn what they like.
Standards alignment
Answer key and teacher notes
- A What causes Roz to be stranded on the island?
- (to check) What is the first thing Roz learns to do on the island?
- (to check) Which animal becomes Roz's first real friend?
- B How does Roz learn the animals' language?
- C What natural disaster threatens all the animals?