Happy Red Planet Day, Educators! Red Planet Day celebrates Mars, encouraging exploration and understanding. Today, let’s embark on an exciting journey to explore Mars with your students through simple lessons, 3D printing, and robotics. Get ready to make the Red Planet come to life in your classroom!
1. Mars globes and curious facts (1 hour)
Start the day by introducing Mars with a quick lesson on its unique characteristics. Engage students with a hands-on activity, creating 3D printed Mars balloons. Discuss fun facts about the Red Planet as they observe the details on their balloons, encouraging curiosity and excitement. There are many free models of Mars available on Thingiverse. See if they can match the features of their balloons to the topographic maps in our MimioSTEM Mars Mat or the Sharespace Foundation Giant map of Mars.
2. 3D printed Martian terrain (1 hour):
Improve spatial reasoning skills by having students design and 3D print their own Martian landscapes. Before the lesson, print some models of MyStemKits Landform surveying kit for students to discuss and name different landforms. Then, guide them through the basics of 3D design software, allowing them to create unique terrain that showcases the distinctive features of Mars. Use basic shapes or layers from the “Doodle” tool in Tinkercad to create them for younger students, or Blenders more advanced design software for students who are comfortable with that program. Display the finished models for a visual exploration of the Red Planet.
3. Mini-Rover Design Challenge (1 –2 hours):
Immerse yourself in the world of Mars exploration by challenging students to design and build mini-rovers using robotics kits or found objects (like rubber bands or balloon cars). Alternatively, create modifications for an existing robot like ours MyBot robots to make it more suitable for handling a Martian environment. In one class, they can plan and build their modifications or rovers. Once they are prepared, have them test their creations in a simulated Mars environment. Encourage teamwork and problem solving as you navigate the Martian terrain. This can take place on the same day or on a later class day.
4. Mars Habitat Quick Design (1 hour):
Explore the concept of Martian colonization with a quick design challenge. Students can use 3D printing to create miniature habitats on Mars, considering the challenges of living on the Red Planet. This lesson encourages creativity and introduces real-world applications of technology in space exploration. Check out MyStemKits’ “Home on the Moon” STEAM design challenge for inspiration.
5. Mars Exploration Online (1 hour):
End the day with an engaging online experience. Use virtual tours and simulations to transport students to the Martian surface, offering a captivating perspective on the landscapes studied. This interactive activity enhances the learning process with an immersive digital exploration of Mars.
As we celebrate Red Planet Day, let’s inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers with simple and engaging lessons. By incorporating 3D printing and robotics into our Mars-themed curriculum, we can create a memorable experience for students of all grades. Encourage curiosity and wonder that extends beyond the classroom walls with these engaging activities.
Explore dynamic and innovative STEM educational solutions that can spark imaginations in classrooms. Click here: MimioSTEM.
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