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: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra—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 Lesson: Building a Rover (PDF)

Testing the Mars RoverTesting the Mars Rover:

Engineers and geologists trek to a Mars-like hill in Death Valley to test remotely operated off-planet exploration devices called "rovers."
Running time 1:41 minutes.

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