Build a Recycled Mars Rover Replica
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Build a Recycled Mars Rover Replica

Grade 4Science1 days
In this project, fourth-grade students engage in a scientific and engineering exploration by designing and building a model Mars rover using recycled materials. Through the inquiry-based framework, students investigate the components and functions of Mars rovers, learn about the challenges scientists face during real-life Mars missions, and apply scientific concepts like energy conversion in their designs. The hands-on experience fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills as students work collaboratively to construct their rover models and demonstrate their understanding through presentations.
Mars RoverRecycled MaterialsEnergy ConversionSpace ExplorationProblem-SolvingCollaborative Learning
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a functional model of a Mars rover using recycled materials, while understanding the challenges faced by scientists in real-life rover missions to Mars?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the key components and functions of a Mars rover?
  • How can we use recycled materials to create replicas of real-world technology?
  • What challenges do scientists face in designing rovers for space exploration?
  • Why is Mars an important target for exploration and what have we learned from past rover missions?
  • How do the scientific instruments on a Mars rover collect data and what type of data is important for studying Mars?
  • What are some creative ways to problem-solve when constructing a model Mars rover?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to design and construct a model Mars rover using recycled materials.
  • Students will understand the key components and functions of a Mars rover and their relevance to space exploration.
  • Students will learn how to apply scientific concepts to solve real-world problems, particularly in the context of energy conversion and material usage.
  • Students will develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by addressing the constraints and challenges in designing a functional rover model.
  • Students will gain insights into the challenges faced by scientists in designing and executing rover missions to Mars.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

4-PS3-4
Primary
Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.Reason: Building a Mars rover model involves designing a device that can mimic the energy conversion process, similar to real rovers.

NGSS

4-ETS1-1
Primary
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.Reason: The project requires students to define the design problem of creating a Mars rover using specific materials (recycled) within constraints.
4-PS4-3
Secondary
Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the design problem.Reason: Students will need to develop multiple design ideas for their rover and compare them based on the project criteria (e.g., functionality, use of recycled materials).
4-LS1-2
Supporting
Use a model to test interactions concerning the functioning of a natural system (e.g., sensing and responding to different stimuli).Reason: A Mars rover model helps students understand the interactions and functionality of rover components, similar to how real rovers operate on Mars.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mars Broadcast

Begin with a live 'news broadcast' from Mars. A video message from a fictional Mars mission control center reports a problem that requires immediate creative solutions from Earth School's students. Challenge them to design and create an emergency rover using recycled materials to assist the mission.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Rover Research Rally

Students will explore the key components and functions of a real Mars rover to understand its design and purpose.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Watch documentary videos about Mars rovers to understand their structure and functions.
2. Read articles and resources provided by NASA and other space agencies.
3. Discuss in groups about the essential features that enable Mars rovers to function effectively.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation summarizing the key components and functionalities of Mars rovers.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 4-LS1-2; understanding the interactions of rover components.
Activity 2

Material Scavenger Hunt

Students gather recycled materials which could be used to construct their Mars rover models, ensuring that they think creatively about sustainability.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Create a list of potential recyclable materials useful for the rover model.
2. Organize a classroom scavenger hunt to collect these materials, encouraging creativity and resourcefulness.
3. Categorize and evaluate the gathered materials based on usability for the rover design.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of categorized materials ready to be used for rover construction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 4-ETS1-1; defining design problems using specific materials within constraints.
Activity 3

Blueprint Bonanza

Using the research conducted and materials collected, students will design a blueprint of their Mars rover, addressing the imagined design problem.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Sketch initial rover design ideas based on the information learned from the Rover Research Rally.
2. Label each part of the rover in the sketch, detailing its function and the recycled material that will be used.
3. Compare and modify initial designs with peers to refine the final blueprint.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of a Mars rover, ready for construction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 4-PS4-3; generating and comparing design ideas based on criteria and constraints.
Activity 4

Construction Countdown

Students will build their Mars rover model using the blueprint and recycled materials collected, applying knowledge of energy conversion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather the categorized materials and tools required for construction.
2. Follow the blueprint carefully to construct the rover model, ensuring each component is functional.
3. Incorporate simple mechanisms to mimic energy conversion, like a lever or pulley system.
4. Test the functionality of the rover's components and make adjustments if necessary.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Mars rover model constructed from recycled materials.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 4-PS3-4; applying scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy.
Activity 5

Mission Accomplished Presentation

Students will present their completed Mars rover models, articulating the design process and the scientific concepts applied.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Prepare a presentation detailing the design and construction process of the Mars rover model.
2. Discuss the challenges faced and how they were overcome, focusing on problem-solving strategies.
3. Highlight the scientific concepts of energy conversion and material selection.
4. Demonstrate the functionality of the rover model to peers and if possible, present to a broader audience.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation and demonstration showcasing the Mars rover model and the design process.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEncompasses multiple NGSS standards; students apply and demonstrate knowledge in applying scientific concepts and problem-solving to engineering challenges.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Mars Rover Model Design and Construction Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of Scientific Concepts

Assesses students' comprehension of the scientific concepts related to Mars rovers and the application of these concepts in their project.
Criterion 1

Comprehension of Mars Rover Components

Evaluates students' understanding of the key components and functions of Mars rovers.

Exemplary
4 Points

Clearly explains all key components and functions of Mars rovers with detailed examples and connections to real-world applications.

Proficient
3 Points

Explains most key components and functions of Mars rovers with relevant examples.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies some components and functions of Mars rovers but lacks depth in explanation.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify key components or functions of Mars rovers and lacks clarity in explanation.

Criterion 2

Application of Energy Conversion

Assesses the student's ability to integrate the concept of energy conversion in their model.

Exemplary
4 Points

Thoroughly integrates complex concepts of energy conversion into the model with innovative approaches.

Proficient
3 Points

Successfully applies basic energy conversion concepts into the model.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to apply energy conversion concepts, but the integration is incomplete or inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows little to no application of energy conversion concepts in the model.

Category 2

Design and Innovation

Evaluates the creativity and effectiveness of the rover design, considering the use of recycled materials and problem-solving strategies employed.
Criterion 1

Creativity in Design

Judges the originality and creativity in the design of the Mars rover model.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a highly original and innovative approach to designing the Mars rover model using recycled materials.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows a creative and effective design approach, with some innovation.

Developing
2 Points

Designs a functional model, but with limited creativity or originality.

Beginning
1 Points

Design lacks creativity and is not functional or innovative.

Criterion 2

Problem-Solving Strategy

Assesses students' problem-solving process and how effectively they addressed the constraints and challenges encountered.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills by anticipating challenges and creating effective solutions.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively solves problems encountered, using logical strategies.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to solve problems, but solutions are incomplete or less effective.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify or solve problems effectively.

Category 3

Collaboration and Communication

Measures students' ability to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas in the construction and presentation stages.
Criterion 1

Collaboration

Assesses the ability to work effectively as a team member during the project activities.

Exemplary
4 Points

Leads team discussions, actively listens, and takes initiative in group tasks.

Proficient
3 Points

Participates willingly in team discussions and contributes helpful ideas.

Developing
2 Points

Participates minimally in team activities; contribution lacks consistency.

Beginning
1 Points

Relies on others to complete tasks and does not engage in team activities.

Criterion 2

Communication

Evaluates how well students present their project and articulate their understanding and process.

Exemplary
4 Points

Communicates ideas clearly and confidently, providing compelling explanations and insights.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents ideas clearly with relevant explanations.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation lacks clarity and depth in ideas.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to communicate ideas clearly or provide coherent explanations.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on the challenges you faced when designing and building your Mars rover model using recycled materials. How did you overcome these challenges?

Text
Required
Question 2

How well do you think your Mars rover model mimics the energy conversion process like a real rover?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which components of the Mars rover model are you most proud of, and why?

Text
Optional
Question 4

How has working on this project changed your understanding of space exploration and the challenges faced by scientists?

Text
Required
Question 5

How would you rate your collaboration and teamwork during this project?

Scale
Optional
Question 6

Reflect on the creative use of recycled materials in your rover model. How sustainable do you think your design is?

Multiple choice
Optional
Options
Not sustainable at all
Somewhat sustainable
Sustainable
Very sustainable
Extremely sustainable