Calling All STEM Scholars! Plan, Build, and 3D Print Your Very Own Mars Rover!

Class Experience

What will be taught:
* How to use a web-based design platform, that uses blocks-based code, to create a 3D Mars Rover
* How to use a web-based design platform to save and download a file that is ready to 3D print at home or local library
* Mars Rover history and components (based on NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover)
* Mars scientific facts

What topics will be covered:
* Understanding and using the engineering design process
* Computational thinking
* Concepts of coding
* Type of software used to create solid 3D CAD models
* How to identify and organize block code 
* Saving a project as an .stl file 
* 3D cartesian coordinates
* Positive and negative numbers, decimals
* Solid shapes, like cubes, spheres, cylinders, and torus
* Geometrical transformations, like translation and rotation
* Set operations, like union
* Using blocks-based code to build the components of a rover: 
1. Body (main chassis) 
2. Wheels
3. UHF Antenna - Communications
4. Mast
5. Cameras
6. Microphone - SuperCam on Mast
7. NASA Text

How is this class structured?
The Structure of the class will entail:
* Initial Introduction to the class, greetings, connect with each learner via video for safety, class rules, and Zoom pointers using a Smore (online interactive newsletter)
* If you could visit Mars, what landmark (Olympus Mons Volcano, Valles Marineris Canyon, or the Gale Crater) would you want to see first? A fun, sharing opportunity for students, where they can answer the question via a Nearpod Poll. 
* Hear the sound of wind on Mars, recorded by NASA's Perseverance Rover, using Voki, the educational site that uses speaking animated characters to enhance learning.
* Supply List
* What will you learn today?
* Google Slide presentation
* Student Interactive Activity - Building the Mars Rover (includes a 5 minute rest break in the middle)
* Class Summary
* Certificate
* Resources

How will I teach?
I teach using a Student-Centered Approach to Learning, where both the teacher and student(s) have an equally active role in the learning process. This type of teaching also supports Inquiry-Based Learning and Cooperative Learning.

What is my teaching style?
I use a patient teaching style that is very supportive and nurturing. I also encourage discovery, curiosity, creativity, and project-based learning.

How much will learners get to interact with me and each other?
* Learners will be able to interact with me and other students during the entire length (1 hour) of the class. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts. Interaction will take place during class discussion, activities, a slide presentation, and at the conclusion of educational videos.

Any required experience or knowledge learners need?
* No prior experience or background knowledge of the topics displayed in this listing are needed. My goal is that all who participate learn and have fun!

What is the pacing of the class?
* The pacing of this class will reflect that the lesson is moving at “just the right speed” for all the students. I accomplish this by making sure all materials are ready to use, making the learning goals and objectives clear, using smooth transitions between activities, and checking for student understanding.