Middle School Martians Design Human Rovers for Mars
Help me give my students the opportunity to experience life on Mars through the lens of Andy Weir in his novel The Martian as well as participate in the engineering design and build of a human rover.
Middle school science is an opportunity for students to explore, experiment, create, dream and question. My goal for students is to get excited about the future of science and to better understand how science impacts not only their lives but the world around them.
The foundation of individual investigations and experimentation begins in these years of learning.
Students are trying to make sense of their world, making them curious and thoughtful. Middle school students are learning about who they are and the impact they make in the world. Their unique personalities and academic abilities are developing, and their need for independence is growing. I want to support their curiosity, help them gain knowledge and promote innovation.
My Project
Inquiry-based, discovery-focused, science instruction when integrated with other areas of the curriculum such as reading, language arts, and mathematics leads to the development of knowledge, comprehension of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world. Together we will read Andy Weir's novel, "The Martian" to evaluate how much science is behind the fiction. This novel will create excitement for research and debate on future Mars exploration and if it should be continued with robotic missions and/or human missions.
After reading the novel, students will participate in a Human Exploration Rover Challenge which will feature an engineering design challenge to engage students in the next phase of human space exploration.
The competition will challenge students to create a vehicle designed to traverse the simulated surface of another world. The Tinkering Labs Kits will be used as the structure and power source for to their designs.
Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst STEM Kit | Intro to Engineering, Robotics, Circuit Building Projects for Kids and Teens | DIY Science Experiments Using Real Motors, Real Hardware, Real Wood
• Amazon Business
$59.00
13
$767.00
The Martian: Classroom Edition: A Novel
• Amazon Business
$10.20
32
$326.40
Materials cost
$1,093.40
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$100.05
3rd party payment processing fee
$16.40
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,239.85
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$218.80
Total project goal
$1,458.65
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,458.65
5 Donors
-$1,454.24
Donations toward project cost
-$1,239.85
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Tyler and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
