ROVER OBSERVATION AND DRONE SURVEY (ROADS) ON MARS: A GEOSCIENCE EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE FOR ELEMENTARY THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

ROADS on Mars is a student team challenge designed by the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pipeline that seeks to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for grades 3 – 12. The challenge follows the path of the Mars 2020 rover and focuses on guiding students in understanding Rover Observation and Drone Survey. Challenges involve the analysis of geologic features, such as Jezero crater where the presence of a delta indicates that water may have been present in the form of an ancient lake and river. Students will also examine the processes that are associated with crater formation, rock identification, the properties of soil, landscape morphology and record their observations in a mission development log (MDL) which documents the team’s efforts throughout each part of the challenge. The MDL will show the team’s use of the scientific and engineering processes and describe each decision the team makes and document the outcomes.

Mars has a solid, rocky surface, and a thin atmosphere, which makes it interesting to compare to Earth. Students can study the similarities and differences between Mars and Earth to learn more about processes that exist on both planets. For example, differences between the atmospheres create different erosion effects on Mars than we see on Earth. However, changes in erosion patterns on Mars also seem to indicate that Mars may have once had an atmosphere more like Earth, which means that studying Mars may give us clues to Earth’s future environment. Examining the geological formations of Mars may also give us clues for where to look for signs of past life. Because water is an essential part of life on Earth, scientists look for geological formations that appear to have been created by water.

ROADS on Mars is designed for teams of 5 participants that attempt the mission objectives at the challenge event. Teams generally consist of a ‘flight crew’ which includes a team commander, UAV pilot, EVA officer, science officer and CAPCOM. However, there is no limit of team size that may participate in the challenges. Teams must have a flight director who will act as team coach and point of contact. Teams participate in divisions based on the highest grade level on the team (teams may opt to take on the challenge in a higher division): Spirit (Grades 3-4), Opportunity (Grades 5-8) and Curiosity (Grades 9-12).