Introduce students to the fascinating solar-powered traffic robots of Kinshasa with this differentiated French reading comprehension activity!

Students will learn how Congolese engineer Thérèse Izay Kirongozi and Women’s Technology developed these distinctive “robots roulage” to direct traffic, assist pedestrians, and operate during electrical outages. The readings also explore the robots’ cameras, cost, limitations, public reception, and importance as symbols of Congolese innovation and women in technology.

Three versions of the reading allow you to use the same engaging topic with students at different proficiency levels:

• Novice High
• Intermediate Low
• Intermediate Mid

This resource includes:

• Three differentiated French readings
• Helpful vocabulary support
• A full-color infographic
• 10 true-or-false questions in English
• 10 vrai/faux questions in French
• 5 short-answer questions in English
• 5 questions à réponse courte in French
• 10 multiple-choice questions in English
• 10 questions à choix multiple in French
• Complete answer key
• Suggested English and French videos and readings
• Photo credits and source information

Students explore:

• Life and transportation in Kinshasa
• Solar energy and locally designed technology
• The work of Thérèse Izay Kirongozi
• Women in science and engineering
• The benefits and limitations of the traffic robots
• Perspectives on cost, maintenance, policing, and infrastructure

Perfect for:

• French reading comprehension
• Francophone culture units
• Differentiated instruction
• Independent or partner work
• Sub plans
• Technology and innovation themes
• International Women’s Day or Women’s History Month
• French 2, French 3, French 4, and mixed-level classes

The questions are provided in both English and French, allowing teachers to choose the version that best matches their students’ proficiency and instructional goals.