Building a Rover

Build a two-dimensional "rover" and analyze its ability to climb over obstacles as you vary the diameter and spacing of its "wheels."

Subject: Algebra
Topics:
- Coordinate Systems
- Patterns, Relations and Functions
- Linear Functions
Grades: 6 – 12
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can plot a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system, given the coordinates, or determine the coordinates of a given point
- Can extrapolate a graph when a pattern exists
- Can relate aspects of a graphical model to the real world situation which is being modeled
- Understands that linear functions are characterized by the fact that the ratio of change in independent variable to change in dependent variable is constant

Download Teacher Guide: Building a Rover (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Building a Rover (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movies:

Reliable RobotsReliable Robots

When it comes to designing robots for space, making sure that they can complete their missions is the name of the game for NASA’s robotics engineers. That requires math, especially probability.
Running time 5:35 minutes.

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Testing the Mars RoverTesting the Mars Rover

Did Mars ever support life? Why did it change so dramatically? Is there any water left? The only way to answer these questions is to analyze the rocks on the Martian surface. And since we can't yet bring those rocks to us, we must send the analysis instruments to Mars--carried on the backs of rovers.
Running time 1:41 minutes.

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