Rode Rover, Rode Rover, Send Mars Explorer Students Over

Students in Mrs. Rode’s class have started on an adventure that transcends this planet.  They have not only built Mars Rovers, but they have designed, programmed, and engineered specialized models that collect specific kinds of information during the exploration of Mars.  So maybe “Mars” is in a back hallway at Kings Glen, but don’t be fooled in believing they are not collecting data of varying types using specialized digital tools atop programmed robots - this, they are doing.

In collaborative teams, students share ideas and drawings as part of the early design process.  Once agreed upon, digital tools are used to 3-D sketch.  Then students put the components together to build a functioning robotic vehicle – the Mars Rover.  There is coding to both drive the vehicle and to maneuver the equipment to collect data (blindly) from the “distant” terrain.  Spreadsheets and tables help students organize the information.  Once collected, sorted and considered, student conclusions are shared/presented to parent and students and sometimes even NASA Associate Chief Scientists.

Check back at the end of October for more photos of visit to "Mars." Meanwhile check out the video on our Kings Glen Twitter.