Mars Exploration
Course Overview
How do rockets and helicopters fly? Has there been, or is there life on Mars? This hands-on course is perfect for middle-schoolers who are curious about STEM, space or discovering new worlds. Students develop their science inquiry skills and a growth mindset in a practical immersive learning environment. Nurturing their problem-solving skills, students use the engineering design process to develop a helicopter and rover, stretch their thinking to design a Mars exploration, and participate in challenges to learn fundamental physics theories and science processes. Mars Exploration is specifically designed for students to participate at home online through live and interactive group lessons.
Inclusions: Live NASA Tour, free launch kit, certificate upon completion
See also:
$420
FREE Launch Kit
Available in 2025!
Background on Mars Exploration
Space exploration has come a long way since the first man walked on the moon in 1969. Today, the boundaries are being pushed and humans are being challenged to look further and farther into space. Exploring Mars is the space industry’s next milestone and the findings will benefit humankind, presenting endless opportunities. With current advancements in technology, engineering, and robotics, uncovering the mysteries of Mars has never been more possible.
Artist's rendition of the Mars 2020 Mission Perserverence Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter Source: NASA.gov
-
Introduction to the Mars environment through guided learning
-
Introduction to NASA's Mars exploration vehicles through guided learning
-
Introduction to fundamental physics theories
-
Student-driven inquiry into Mars exploration mission
-
Follow engineering design process to design and build Mars exploration vehicles
-
Complete two challenges to test vehicle design
-
Summative presentation on Mars exploration mission
-
Join a Live NASA Tour to see the history and future of NASA spacecraft
-mi.jpg)
Course Outline
-
Apply knowledge of the Mars environment and real-life NASA exploration vehicles and use critical thinking to design three exploration vehicles
-
Critically evaluate the Mars environment and real-life NASA exploration vehicles to develop an inquiry to design a Mars exploratory mission
-
Master fundamental physics theories and mathematic equations in practical activities
-
Collect, analyse and interpret data and demonstrate strong problem solving techniques to refine designs
-
Use clear communication to demonstrate understanding of the Mars environment and basic physics theories
-
Embody and practice growth mindset principles
-min.jpg)
Learning Outcomes
-
Age-group Suitability: Ages 10 -13
-
Small Class Sizes: Up to 20 students per class
-
Prerequisite Requirements: None
-
Class Format: Live online learning via Zoom with practical activities by students at home
-
Interaction between teacher and students live online
-
-
Equipment Requirements:
-
Students required to supply various construction materials including everyday stationery and household recyclables
-
A list will be provided upon course confirmation
-
​
-
System Requirements:
-
A computer with a camera, mic, speaker (or headphones)​​
-
A Gmail account required for Google Class
-
An Internet connection and an internet browser
-
Zoom video conference application
-
Course Details
Classes
Period
Class
Date
Time
Term 3 School Holidays
CSAAU078
From: Mon 27 Apr 2021
Mars Exploration
To: Fri 1 Oct 2021
From: 1 PM NZDT
To: 3:30 PM NZDT
Daily
Period
Class
Date
Time
December School Holidays
CSAAU085
Mars Exploration
From: Mon 13 Dec 2021
To: Fri 17 Dec 2021
From: 11 AM NZDT
To: 1:30 PM NZDT
Daily
Period
Class
Date
Time
January School Holidays
CSAAU103
Mars Exploration
From: Mon 10 Jan 2022
To: Fri 14 Jan 2022
From: 11 AM NZDT
To: 1:30 PM NZDT
Daily
Bookings Close: 5 Dec 2021
Bookings Close: 2 Jan 2022
Bookings Close: 19 Sep 2021
Period
Class
Date
Time
January School Holidays
CSAAU105
Mars Exploration
From: Mon 17 Jan 2022
To: Fri 21 Jan 2022
From: 3 PM NZDT
To: 5:30 PM NZDT
Daily