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Explore Mars With Scratch ActivityExplore Mars With Scratch Activity
Publisher
NASA
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
3rd - 8th
Subjects
Science
3 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
2 hrs
Instructional Strategies
Hands-on Activity
1 more...
Technology
Ed Software
Internet Access
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Activity

Explore Mars With Scratch

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Explore Mars With Scratch activity also includes:
  • Scratch Website
  • Mars Surface Images (.zip)
  • Mars Rover Sprite Image (.png)
  • Moon Surface Images (.zip)
  • Moon Rover Sprite Image (.png)
  • Join to access all included materials

Learn what it takes to explore Mars in the comfort of a classroom. Individuals experiment with computer programming using a free online resource while learning about the factors affecting Mars Rover explorations. They create a computer-generated drivable rover and plan a mission based on teacher-designated criteria.

8 Views 8 Downloads
CCSS: Designed

Concepts

mars, mars rover, space exploration, coding

Instructional Ideas

  • Pair with additional programming lessons from the same publisher

Classroom Considerations

  • Provide Internet-enabled devices to each pupil
  • Experience with computer programming is helpful but not necessary

Pros

  • Combines math, science, and computer programming for a truly interdisciplinary lesson
  • Offers ideas for extending the lesson

Cons

  • None

Common Core

5.G.A.1 6.NS.C.5 6.NS.C.6.c

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Introduce your class to the steps that occur in the manufacturing of parts, the assembly, and the testing of a Mars rover. Pupils learn about fabrication techniques and tolerances in the manufacturing process. 
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CCSS: Designed
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The good thing about building this rover is you get to eat it afterwards. Pairs determine rover parts they want to include in their design based upon their cost and usefulness. The teams design their rovers, build them from edible...
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Lesson Plan

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Help your class understand the magnitude of the distance between Earth and Mars with an activity that asks small groups to use balloons to create scale models of the Earth, Moon, and Mars. Class members figure out the distances...
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CCSS: Designed
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