Timing: Weeks 7-12
Weighting: 30%
Goal: To complete as many successful missions as possible before launching the rocket to the Mars Outpost.
Get ready to carry out successful missions and establish the Mars Outpost.
Background
People have long been fascinated by Mars, the planet in our solar system that’s most like Earth. Uncrewed missions have sent orbiters, probes, and rovers to explore the planet since the 1960s, but what would it take to carry out a successful human mission to Mars?
Rockets are used to send both people and materials into space. To ease astronauts’ tasks in space, robots of various functions have been developed. For example, robots can be programmed to move on their own or to grab objects. Designing robots for Mars usage starts on Earth, testing behaviours and adjusting designs before sending the robots into space.
Have a walk around the Challenge Mat and observe while Mission Controller explains each of the missions.
Any general questions – please ask now that everyone can hear the answers.
- How could a robot interact with the different models on the Challenge Mat during a mission?
- What are some ways in which you could use features of the Challenge Mat to help you navigate?
- What are some ways in which the robot could navigate to each mission?
Come up with a plan!
- Form a team – by yourself or with up to 2 other students (each must actively be engaged in the tasks)
- Team: Mission Commander, Engineering Specialist, Coding Specialist – allocate roles
- Obtain a workbook for this Module from the front – if you lose it, you will have to rewrite it
- Go to the DIY Student website: https://diystudent.com/year-9-robotics-space-challenge/
- Get your kit and record the details on the cover
- Proceed to work through the Knowledge and Skill 1 sections – have your work checked off by the Mission Controller
- Build a suitable basic robot to which you can apply attachments
- Proceed to work through the Skill 2 section
- Come up with a plan to complete all missions in a timely fashion.
Mission Rules
There are five rules that apply to all of the Space Challenge missions. Make sure that you know all of them before you start:
- Your robot must always start the mission from the base area.
- Your robot must leave the base area before carrying out the mission.
- A ‘successful robot return’ occurs when any part of the robot crosses over any part of the base area line.
- You’re not allowed to touch your robot while it’s outside of the base area.
- If you touch your robot while it’s entirely outside of the base area and it’s holding an object, the object must be returned to its original position, and you must begin the mission again.