Gaining Traction on Mars

Build a Mars Rover to traverse a simulated Red Planet in this NASA-inspired project.

• Study the Red Planet, its environment, and NASA missions.
• Learn about critical design considerations for Mars Rovers.
• Assemble Rover kit for investigation and experimentation.
• Experiment with Newton's Laws of Motion and learn about gears and horsepower.
• Optimize the Rover’s wheels, tread design, and gears for various Mars missions.
• Create CAD designs for wheels and gears with video design tutorials.
• Prototype wheels and gears using 3D printer for performance testing by replacing base components of Rover kit.
• Develop test plan, test and analyze Rover performance vs. target performance requirements.
• Worksheets, discussion questions and rubric for student presentations.
• For grades 6th to 12th.
• Approximately 15 contact hours.

Individually packaged kit has all parts and materials to build the Mars Rover. Assembly instructions, project curriculum, video design tutorials and supplemental resources are provided. Includes production and shipping of one CAD design file (wheels or gears) using the Invent2Make Makerspace digital fabrication equipment.

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Click here for information regarding or to purchase educator Professional Development for the Gaining Traction on Mars project.