Mars Exploration

Rover Robotics ProjectTonya L. Witherspoon

Karen V. Reynolds

Wichita State University

Technology Tipping Point:

Technology Tipping Points: Making the Right

Connections• Robotics is an exciting and engaging vehicle

to stimulate student interest in science, mathematics, technology, teamwork, and communication

• Robotics allows students and teachers to explore engaging projects while applying science, math, and technology knowledge

• Robotics connects curriculum to the real world

Mars Rover Project Partners

• Wichita State University

• NASA

• Boeing Charitable Trust, Co.

• National RoboEducators Consortium

• The Planetary Society

Mars Exploration Rover Project

• Study Mars• Build a Mars landscape• Design, build and program a rover• Practice driving on Mars, take pictures, and

use sensors to log data• Trade rovers with another classroom• Explore an unknown landscape• Take pictures and data• Visit and exchange maps

Study Mars

• Use satellite images from NASA (available online)– What types of features are on Mars?– Explore the terrain– How do we know there was or is water on

Mars?– What else can we find out about Mars?

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Design a Mars Landscape

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Build a Mars Landscape

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Match the Pieces of the Terrain

Design and Build a Rover

Program the Rover

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Explore Mars Landscape - Aliens?

Analyze Images from Rover Camera

Visit and Exchange Maps

WSU Robotics Workshops

• Lego Mindstorms Challenge 2003: ShockwartsSaturday, March 29, 2003; 9:00am-4:00pm

• CI 751B Robotics in the ClassroomSaturdays, June 14 & 21 9:00am-5:00pm

• Integrating Robotics Into the CurriculumJuly 9-11, 14-18 8:30am-4:30July 21-August 1 Online

Questions, Comments?

Tonya Witherspoontomya.witherspoon@wichita.edu

Karen Reynoldskaren.reynolds@wichita.edu