Exploring the Solar System: Mars Rovers

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In "Exploring the Solar System: Mars Rovers," participants learn about how scientists and engineers use robotic rovers and other vehicles to explore distant worlds, and experience some of the challenges and teamwork required to navigate a rover across the surface of a planet millions of miles away. Players acting as "Mission Control" and a "Rover" must work together to navigate a large obstacle course. Participants can also design their own rover to fit the particular challenges of exploring a distant planet.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Mission Control magnetic program board
  • Blue arrow “Advance” command magnets
  • Yellow star “Rock Retrieval” command magnets
  • Star shaped sample props
  • 30 Mars landscape obstacle felt sheets
  • Mars Rover Map
  • Blindfold (optional)
  • Design Your Own Mars Rover drawing sheets (optional)
  • Pencils

Keywords

Subjects

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

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • National Informal STEM Education Network

Source Collection

  • NISE Network

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • NASA, NNX16AC67A