Back to Icy Worlds: Mission Planning
Icy Worlds – U1, Lesson 5: Mapping Other Worlds
In this lesson: Students will create a scaled map of a room, then discuss the importance of maps. Then, they will work in teams to create the large-scale map that they will need for the challenge.
Lesson Level Question: How can we create a model of our target landscape to help us rehearse our mission?
Engage
Students will create a scale model map of their classroom (or a room in their home if classes are being held remotely).
Explore
As a class, students will review and discuss the ROADS on Icy Worlds NASA Student Challenge map and the directions for its creation and will have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have regarding the map and/or the directions.
Explain
Students will work in their challenge teams to discuss and agree upon the process they will follow to create their map and the map’s design, and then will sketch out a reduced scale model of their planned map.
Elaborate
Each team of students will create a 5’ by 8’ map with the markings described in the MO-05 section of the 2021 ROADS to Icy Worlds NASA Robotic Challenge Manual.
Evaluate
Each team of students will receive feedback and a score for their map was given and will have an opportunity to discuss how they might have improved their map to increase their score.
Extend (optional)
Students will learn about the “Mars Yard” and how NASA rehearses missions.