Name
Lunar X-Prize - LEGO Edittion
Topic
Space exploration and robotics
Learning time
6 hours
Designed time
6 hours
Size of class
30
Description
The Lunar-X prize is a competition set by Google, that aims at landing a small robot on the Moon, near the Apollo 17 landing site. Using LEGO Mindstorms EV3, students are asked to, collaboratively, design and assemble a robot that is capable of fulfilling the task.
Mode of delivery
No mode selected
Aims
Apply principles of Inquiry Based Learning to solve real space exploration scenarios, collaboratively, using LEGO Mindstorms EV3.
Outcomes
Apply, Apply, Use, Use, Operate
Editor
nunolanca
Edit
Get to know the Lunar-X Prize challenge.
90 minutes)
  • Read Watch Listen
    10
    30
    4
    The teacher presents the Google Lunar X-Prize challenge to the whole class, with promotional videos and a handout detailing the scenario and "mission objectives".
  • Discuss
    10
    5
    0
    The class is split into six research teams of five students and each is assigned one of the following topics; The Apollo heritage sites; Moon’s geology; Google X-Prize; Astronomical measurements; Solar power harvesting; Robot exploration of the Moon.
  • Investigate
    30
    1
    0
    Each student is required to research the topic assigned to his/her team and create an individual powerpoint presentation.
  • Collaborate
    20
    5
    2
    Within each team, students are required to contribute with ideas from their presentations to create a single team presentation.
  • Discuss
    20
    5
    1
    Teams present findings to the rest of the class.
Notes:
Assessment of collaborative skills is performed according to the ATC21S framework; Interaction - interacts with partners; Task completion/perseverance - undertakes tasks; Self-evaluation - Recognizes own strengths and weaknesses Transactive memory - Recognizes strengths and weaknesses of others; Responsibility initiative - Takes responsibility for progress of group task; Resource management - Manages resources; Information collection - collects information; Relationships - Identifies connections and patters between and among elements of knowledge.
Resources linked: 0
Learn how to solve problems using LEGO Mindstorms EV3.
90 minutes)
  • Read Watch Listen
    10
    5
    0
    One student from each of the previous teams is reassigned to a new team. This ensures that each group has one "expert" on the framework of the problem.
  • Investigate
    40
    5
    2
    Familiarize students with the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit.
  • Collaborate
    40
    5
    0
    Build and operate the basic robot, with simple tasks like move along a path, avoiding obstacles.
Notes:
This activity is designed to familiarize students with the LEGO EV3
Resources linked: 0
Each team is assigned a problem to investigate and solve.
90 minutes)
  • Read Watch Listen
    10
    5
    1
    Teams are assigned to a new research goal. The topics are as follows: Team 1 - Mobility; Team 2 - Mooncast; Team 3 - Solar power; Team 4 - Video camera; Team 5 - Landing and unloading; Team 6 - Navigation.
  • Collaborate
    30
    5
    1
    Each team uses one EV3 kit to solve the task assigned. The simpler solutions are favored.
  • Produce
    30
    5
    1
    Teams must prepare one presentation about the solutions that were used. These findings are shared with the whole class by a powerpoint presentation. The prototypes and presentations must be reviewed and modified to accommodate contributions from others.
  • Discuss
    20
    5
    1
    The teams present findings to the rest of the class.
Notes:
Assessment of collaborative skills is performed according to the ATC21S framework: Action - Activity within environment; Responsiveness - responds to contributions of partners; Audience awareness - Adapts contributions; Negotiation - Discusses with a view to reaching understanding for partners; Responsibility initiative - Takes responsability for progress of the group task; Problem analysis - Analyses a problem; Setting goals - Sets goals for a task; Flexibility - Responds to ambiguous situations; Systematicity - Implements possible solutions to a problem; Cause and effect - Uses understanding of cause and effect to develop a plan; Hypothesis testing - Adapts reasoning or course of action.
Resources linked: 0
Integrate each team's solutions onto the final robot
90 minutes)
  • Collaborate
    30
    5
    0
    Teams 1 to 4 select two members to assemble their solutions into a final robot. Teams 5 and 6 must design and build an obstacle course that fits within the school playground/playfield.
  • Practice
    60
    0
    The assembled robot is to be subjected to the obstacle course. Team 6 takes control and ensures that the planned trajectory matches with the robot programming. All other teams are in standby.
Notes:
Time to have fun and appreciate the work put into developing a complex task. This activity can be presented to the whole school to promote STEM as a fun problem solving endeavor.
Resources linked: 0

Learning Experience

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