Mars Here We Come! The 2008 Mars Rover Model Competition - An Overview of the Curricula & Resources

A Legacy Event From The New Face of Space Exciting the Next Generation Educational Events and Activities at the World Space Congress 2002 and the

Mars Unit Overview  Research the characteristics of Mars  Investigate the features of NASA’s probes  Power for Probes – Solar Racer (optional)  Design teams decide on mission, rover features & create initial draft with the criteria in mind  Build rovers using craft materials  Plan presentation to share their teams Mars Rover  Enter & win the competition!

Research the Characteristics of Mars  Learn about the features & conditions on Mars  Gather information critical for a Mars space probe  Use various sources – Internet, NASA materials, videos, CD-ROMS, etc.  Share information in a fun way – have student groups teach the class

Research the Features of NASA’s Mars probes  Learn how space probes communicate and conduct experiments on Mars  See how space probes are designed to survive in harsh conditions  Learn how rovers are designed & tested  Share facts & findings  Note mission similarities

Learning About Mars & Probes  Take a field trip to NASA’s Space Center Houston  Invite guest speakers to talk to the class about Mars, space probes or robotics  Ask questions online with NASA experts

Powering Probes : Solar Racer  Great for learning about solar power and experimenting with various kinds of propulsion  Cost: $10 per kit – teams of about 2-3 are practical  Fun for races, analyzing design & propulsion strategies

Solar Racer Kits  Solar Racer Kit 1 available from  How To Video – Solar Racers available as a starting guide  Tools & supplies – knives, balsa wood, fine grain Styrofoam, soldering iron, markers, and glue guns

Tips for Creating A Solar Racer  Formal instruction on pieces in the kit, the assembly options, steps & pitfalls  Emphasize safety using the tools – knives & glue guns  Show finished a sample of each type of propulsion  Lots of parent helpers to help solder & assist teams

Creation of a Rover for the Competition  Review Mars conditions  Review highlights of NASA’s probes to Mars  Review the criteria for the Rover Competition Review the criteria for the Rover Competition  Form Rover Design Teams of 3-4 members

Rover Planning: Mission on Mars  Begin completing the leading questions in the Mars Rover Guide Begin completing the leading questions in the Mars Rover Guide  Obtain consensus on 2-3 objectives for their mission Obtain consensus on 2-3 objectives for their mission  Examine map of Mars to locate a landing site to accomplish mission goals

Rover Planning: Features for Mission  Brainstorm the technology and features needed to accomplish their mission  Brainstorm features to handle the harsh conditions – cold, dust, rough terrain.  Sketch initial design incorporating team’s ideas

Rover Construction – A Team Approach  Emphasize teamwork and group decision making  Use various arts & craft supplies along with materials available from the store – foil, cups, Styrofoam trays, straws, spoons, etc.  Use book tape & hot glue for assembly of the pieces

Planning for the Presentation  Explain the criteria for the presentations - rubric  Encourage creativity with skits, props and costumes  Explain key features and the rover’s capabilities in the extreme conditions  Develop scripts & practice

Presenting the Mars Rovers  The day is here! Share rovers and creative ideas for future exploration  Encourage probing and clarifying questions from the audience  Evaluate rovers and presentations based on established criteria - rubric Evaluate rovers and presentations based on established criteria - rubric

Resources For Mars Rover Project Johnson Space Center Educator Resource Center Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Rd. 1 ( ) Free for Teachers

Mars Rover Competition Website Items of Interest: Schedule Contest Rules Entry Form Resources Mars Here We Come Slideshow

Mars Here We Come! The Mars Rover Model Competition - An Overview of the Curricula & Resources Holly Smith - Spring Branch ISD –