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 A STEM-Maker Level 2 Lesson for Creative Fluency 

The study of space travel and 

space habitation.

Understanding the challenges of

space exploration, including zero- 

gravity, time and distance, and lack

of essential life support systems.

Researching possible solutions for sustaining life on other planets,

moons, or other celestial elements.

Designing space transportation systems, space

communications, and space habitats that support human life.

Understanding and applying laws of motion, fluid mechanics,

and conservation.

Introduction 

- a er  Curriculum 

Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab   Aerospace Engineering: 

This STEM design and engineering challenge is appropriate for middle and senior high school

levels and is recommended for students working in pairs or small teams up to four students.

This project is designed to promote creative thinking, problem solving, innovation, and invention,

and provides an excellent applied learning experience for all STEM students.

Context and Rationale 

Mars Rover D e s i g n  a n d  E n g i n e e r i n g  C h a l l e n g e 

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STEM Challenge 

RESA Mars Rover Project The Rokenbok Exploratory Space Agency (RESA) is in the process of

developing plans for a space colony on the planet of Mars over the next

ten years.

The engineers at RESA are exploring various creative options for

using existing materials on the Martian surface as a cheap and

efficient way to build structures and habitats on Mars without having

to transport everything from Earth.

In order to help these aerospace engineers understand what materials would be available

and how they might be used, RESA is in need of a small, yet functional martian rover that

can safely land on the surface of Mars and then collect material samples that can be

retrieved and analyzed for possible future use.

Your design and engineering team has been assigned the task of building a scale model 

of the Mars Rover that can launch into space, land, and retrieve materials from Mars.

Time is of the essence and your team must work together to prepare your scale model for

presentation to the Rokenbok Exploratory Space Agency at their next planning meeting.

Resources For this challenge, you are limited to using the various building components in your 

Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover and other materials that may be provided by your

instructor.

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Aerospace Engineering:

Mars Rover 

 Aerospace Engineering - Mars Rover To gain a better understanding of aerospace engineering concepts, the following resource

materials are recommended to accompany this design brief project: 

  Text  

Engineering Fundamentals, ISBN 978-1-61960-220-5,

Chapter 13: Aerospace Engineering, pages 259 - 280 

  http://www.g-wonlinetextbooks.com/engineering-fundamentals-2014/17 

  Online Key Search Terms 

  aerospace engineering aerodynamics astronautics

Mars Rover 3D printing in space grippers 

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STEM Challenge 

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The Mars Rover should be mobile and controllable via the ROK-Star

control system. The Mars Rover must be able to move forward and

reverse.

The Mars Rover must fit into an aerospace shipping capsule that

measures 18” wide x 18” tall x 24” long.

The Mars Rover must be designed to collect material samples from

the Martian surface by scooping, grasping, or other possible designsolutions.

The mobility system of the Mars Rover should allow the vehicle to easily

navigate in a harsh and rocky environment.

The Mars Rover should be designed with a delivery system that will allow

it to survive a drop of 3 feet and be able to perform assigned tasks.

Your team should also prepare to deliver a multimedia presentation to theRESA about the merits of your Mars Rover model and design.

Evaluation Students will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

• Creativity and Design 

• Functionality of Designed Unit 

• Time Management and Teamwork 

• Successful Completion of the Challenge 

•  Adherence to Constraints/Criteria 

Use the Rokenbok Universal Performance Rubric for evaluation. Available for download at

Rokenbok.com/Education 

Constraints To successfully complete this STEM Design and Engineering Challenge, the following

constraints and specifications must be followed: 

Aerospace Engineering:

Mars Rover 

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Science Students will use and reinforce these Science concepts: 

•  Applications of Simple Machines including Wheels and Axles, Levers, and Pulleys 

• Balance and Equilibrium 

• Energy Transformations such as Magnetic to Rotary Motion and Rotary to Linear Motion 

• Mass, Weight, and Gravity 

Technology and Engineering Students will use and reinforce these Technology and Engineering concepts: 

• Prototyping and Modeling 

•

Invention and Innovation • Structural Integrity/Strength 

• Brainstorming and Problem Solving 

• Trial and Error Engineering Concepts 

Math Students will use and reinforce these Math concepts: 

• Calculating Size and Space 

•Time Management and Efficiency 

• Linear Measurement and Scaling Techniques 

• Measuring Area, Volume, and Distance 

Standards This Design Challenge is based on the following national standards: 

• The Next Generation Science Standards 

• Common Core Standards 

•Standards for Technological Literacy 

• Endorsed by the International STEM Education Association 

STEM Concepts 

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Aerospace Engineering:

Mars Rover 

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