Engage

Launch the Engage Section

ACTS is what the teacher will do and ASKS is how the teacher will facilitate.

ACTS	ASKS
Stand in the front of the classroom and ask the students a question. Show the Mars Base Design & Build Challenge slides from the Lab 6 Slideshow. Introduce the Mars Base Design Challenge using the slides in the Lab 6 Slideshow and discussion. Define the criteria and constraints for the design challenge: Criteria: The build is stable and enclosed with space for the Astronaut to move around Constraints: Use VEX GO materials only	Ask students if they have ever gone on a trip. What kinds of things do you need to pack when they go somewhere? Astronauts also need to bring things when they go on a trip, like a mission to Mars. What do you see happening here? Facilitate discussion by reinforcing comments that target the harshness of the environment. What are some reasons for going to Mars? Why would a “base” need to be built? What are some requirements to live on Mars? What factors will you have to consider when designing your Mars base? (human requirements) How do the requirements affect the design? What factors will you have to consider when designing your Mars base?

ACTS

ASKS

Stand in the front of the classroom and ask the students a question.
Show the Mars Base Design & Build Challenge slides from the Lab 6 Slideshow.
Introduce the Mars Base Design Challenge using the slides in the Lab 6 Slideshow and discussion.
Define the criteria and constraints for the design challenge:
- Criteria: The build is stable and enclosed with space for the Astronaut to move around
- Constraints: Use VEX GO materials only

Ask students if they have ever gone on a trip. What kinds of things do you need to pack when they go somewhere? Astronauts also need to bring things when they go on a trip, like a mission to Mars.
What do you see happening here?
- Facilitate discussion by reinforcing comments that target the harshness of the environment.
What are some reasons for going to Mars? Why would a “base” need to be built? What are some requirements to live on Mars?
What factors will you have to consider when designing your Mars base? (human requirements)
- How do the requirements affect the design?
- What factors will you have to consider when designing your Mars base?

Getting the Students Ready to Build

Since humans have specific requirements to live, how would the needs of Astronauts affect the design of a base on Mars?

We are going to design and build a Mars base for our Astronaut using the VEX GO Kits. Refer to Mars Base Design and Build Challenge slide in the Lab 6 Slideshow.

Facilitate the Build

InstructInstruct students to join their group, and have them complete the Robotics Roles & Routines sheet. Use the Suggested Role Responsibilities slide in the Lab Image Slideshow as a guide for students to complete this sheet.
DistributeDistribute VEX GO Kits and an Engineering Design Process Organizer to each group.
FacilitateFacilitate getting ready to build.
- Journalists should complete the Engineering Design Process Organizer based on group discussions, including drawing and labeling diagrams.
- Builders contribute ideas in the discussion, and assemble the build based on the group’s diagrams.
OfferOffer suggestions and note positive group building and problem solving strategies as groups build together.

Teacher Troubleshooting

Students may want to start building right away and resist the "planning" part of the process.
Keep the build small to start off so students have enough materials to enclose their base.
After the first build, students will be more familiar with the pieces and construction techniques, and will be able to create more detailed plans and builds.

Facilitation Strategies

Build discussions around their plans. Circulate around the room asking open-ended questions about their plans. Refer to their diagrams and notes. Encourage spatial talk when students describe their ideas. Rephrase their statements using spatial language to reinforce and expand spatial language vocabulary.
Circulate a second time focusing on materials. Encourage them to be strategic so that they have enough pieces to enclose their base.
Reinforce prior lesson experiences about strategically using pins, connectors, wheels, etc.
Allot a significant amount of time for students to revise their design after the Mid-Play Break group discussion.

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