Mars Challenge – unplugged computing primary resources
This collection of activities provides a series of lessons linked to computing using the context of Mars exploration. Children learn about algorithms, debugging, flow charts, repeat loops, decision trees, and how images and data are relayed. They find out about search engines, the reliability of information found on the internet and infographics. There is also a design and technology activity where children learn about the design process and design their own rovers for exploring Mars.
The resources are set in the context of the European Space Agency ExoMars mission, which includes the launch and operation of the Rosalind Franklin rover to the surface of Mars.
These activities have been provided by ESERO-UK.
Resources
Filter
Subject
Age
Type
Showing 9 result(s)
Lesson 5 - Decision trees
In this activity children are introduced to decision trees and their use in computing algorithms. Working together they consider how a decision tree might support the navigation of the ExoMars rover searching for a suitable place to drill. They then role-play the rover and follow the decision tree instructions,...
Lesson 6 - Searching the internet
This activity develops digital literacy using the context of exploring Mars. Children learn about what a search engine does and consider what happens when they use one. They also begin to find out that some internet sources are more reliable than others and think about which might be trustworthy.
The...
Lesson 7 - Mission to Mars
This activity provides a cross-curricular opportunity, mixing computing, design technology and science in the context of designing a Mars rover. Children consider the requirements of a Mars rover and create criteria for the design. They design their rovers then evaluate them and re-design them, modeling the process...
Lesson 8 - Comparing Mars rovers
This activity develops digital literacy using the context of exploring Mars. Also developing the skills of collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information. Children first learn about infographics and establish what makes a good one. They then design their own infographic to allow the reader to...
Pages
| Subject(s) | Computing, Design and technology, Engineering |
|---|---|
| Age | 7-11 |
| Published | 2020 to date |
| Published by | |
| Collections | |
| Direct URL | https://www.stem.org.uk/cxgtqr |
