Design a Lunar Rover!

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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.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
Language:
English

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

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
    • Technology
  • 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
  • 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

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, ,