Mars Rover Models -- A Program Mars Rover Models -- A Program to Enrich Teaching Space to Enrich Teaching Space

Science, Planetary Exploration Science, Planetary Exploration and Robotics In Elementary And and Robotics In Elementary And

Middle SchoolMiddle School

by

Edgar A. Bering, III, John Ramsey, Brenda S. Boyko, Holly Smith, Sandy Peck and William H. Arceneaux

Outline of Presentation What is the Mars Rover Model Competition? What motivated the program? History Sponsors Program details

Teaching the contest as a curriculum unit The competition

Future plans and suggestions

Program Summary Primary and middle school

(Grades 3-8) students. Design and build a model of a

Mars Rover . Select specific science mission

on Mars. The model will be a minimal

cost mock-up, constructed of mostly found objects.

A low cost ($10) solar powered car kit or ($25) RC car may serve as the chassis.

Contestant

Motivation Provide very low cost

alternative to true robotics programs

Develop flexible curriculum module that covers planetary science and aerospace engineering

Excite and motivate future engineers

A Legacy Event From

The New Face of SpaceExciting the Next Generation

                                           

Educational Events and Activities at the World Space Congress 2002 and the

                  

                                                                      

More History Based on JPL’s Mars

Millennium project Brought to Houston by

Mayor’s SparkPark project

Refined and further developed by Holly Smith, Bendwood Elementary, SBISD

Sponsors AIAA

University of Houston Student Chapter Houston Section

University of Houston Office of the Senior Vice-Chancellor/Vice-President for Academic Affairs/Provost College of Natural Science and Mathematics Cullen College of Engineering College of Education College of Optometry College of Technology Texas Center for the Study of Advanced Materials Physics Department Geosciences Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Our Process Raise Funds Select Dates Review Lessons From

Last Event Announce Event Conduct Teacher

Workshop Solicit Entries, Volunteers Conduct Event

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

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

Creation of a Rover for the Competition

Review Mars conditions Review highlights of

NASA’s probes to Mars Review the criteria for the

2004-5 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

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

Building your model Two 8th grade students

building a demonstration model during a teacher training workshop

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 2004-5 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

Share your model Lights, camera … skit!

Here Come da’ Judge!

Bright smiles, bright kids

The Winners!

Engage and empower Positive attitude toward

science Positive perception of

science relevance Knowledge Ownership Situational empowerment Goal-oriented long-term

task

Standards Science process skills Laboratory experience Investigation planning Data collection Inference Organization Communication Writing Yes, sir. I know that real

spacecraft use white duct tape…

Mars Rover Competition Websitehttp://troll.phys.uh.edu/MarsRover/

Items of Interest:

•Schedule

•Contest Rules

•Entry Form

•Resources

•Mars Here We Come Slideshow

Budget

ExpensesDirect -- $7000Overhead --$3500

Bare bones Not covered

T-shirts & goodie bag for participantsPosters & curriculum materials for teachers

Future -- What Can AIAA Do? Spread the word

Informally, or Adopt program as nationwide

activity Contact schools

Help fund Help find local corporate

sponsors National sponsors Formal, standards based modules

Volunteers needed!

MarsHere We Come!

The 2004-5 Mars Rover Model Competition -

An Overview of the Curricula & ResourcesHolly Smith - Spring Branch ISD – smithh@springbranchisd.com