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In this team design challenge (page 2-10 of PDF), learners design and build a model of a Lunar Transport Rover that will carry equipment and people on the surface of the Moon. Learners use household materials to construct the rover, then test it by rolling it down a ramp, and make modifications to improve their design. Learners can complete two follow-up activities included in this resource.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- General building supplies and tools
- (2) small plastic people (approx 2 cm each)
- plastic egg
- (4) plastic wheels
- Worksheets
- Something to use as a ramp (a book would work, but preferably a flat surface that would enable the rover to roll for 50 cm or more)
- Balance
- Pencils
- Mars Rover Entry, Landing and Descent video: Six Minutes of Terror
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Solar System
- The Moon
-
Astronomy
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Technology
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
- Algebra
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
- Geometry
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
- Number and Operations
- Representation
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
-
Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- Public domain, ,