Leading Educators to Applications, Research and NASA-related Educational Resources in Science

Principles of Remote ExPloration (PREP)

Grade Levels: 5-8 (can be adapted for older students or adults)

 To teach the basic principles of remote robotic exploration to other planets.

INTRODUCTION

 Principles of Remote ExPloration (PREP) for the Moon is a framework for teaching basic concepts that can be applied to the design and implementation of a remotely operated experiment.  PREP for the Moon provides an opportunity for every student to play the role of a NASA scientist or engineer and participate in the design and deployment of a remotely operated mission.  The PREP framework explicitly addresses middle school education standards in mathematics, technology and science; however, bridges are provided for interdisciplinary activities in reading, history and art.  The framework is designed to be implemented with varying degrees of technology insertion to accommodate the range of technology available in schools.  PREP for the Moon is an ideal preface for activities in the design and development of robotic experiments and could be used as an introduction to the fundamentals prior to participation in engineering activities such as FIRST Robotics and BotBall.

THE ACTIVITY

 Students are divided into teams of 4 or 5.  Each team is then divided into four components:  the rover (ROV), mapping (MAP), communication (COM) and calibration (CAL).  Each component should comprise up to two students, except the rover.  The rover is to be one student, parent, teacher or student aide.  MAP produces scale maps of the terrain using graph paper, first Arizona and then the Moon.  COM develops the communications strategy and delivers the commands, or communication signal, to the rover.  CAL monitors the rover’s progress, reporting to MAP to update the rover’s position on the map.  All students work together to determine which commands to send to the rover and plot the rover’s course on the map.  The end result is to operate the rover on the lunar terrain to retrieve a lunar sample.  This activity requires at least two adult supervisors, but is better done with one or two adults per team.  The simulated experience of a remote exploration is intended to form a bridge between the participants’ real life experiences and the realities of remote exploration

 PREP for the Moon offers a foundation experience grounded in mathematics and science concepts that a teacher can illuminate with concrete examples.  The exercise is based on constructivist educational theory providing for hands-on and problem-based learning.   Cross disciplinary activities in reading, history and art are also suggested.  The activity can be done in one subject area or can be used as an interdisciplinary activity, shared by science, math, social studies, and English teachers. This activity can be implemented as a competition among teams.  

MATERIALS NEEDED

 Student teams: blindfold, large graphing paper, pencils, rulers, index cards, Student Guide, calculators (optional)

 Lunar terrain:   Use chairs, desks, mats or any other moveable item in a classroom, cafeteria or gymnasium to design the lunar terrain.

 Satellite imagery:  Network camera and software, ethernet cable, open ethernet port with known IP address for network camera and an extension cord.  A network camera allows students to see the lunar terrain “remotely” by viewing the camera images on a computer in another room. 

 Mission Control:  One computer per team OR one computer with an LCD projector in a classroom apart from the lunar terrain.  Note:  All computers used in this activity must be connected to the internet and have the network camera software loaded onto it.

STANDARDS

PREP for Mars aligns to national content and process standard in mathematics and technology and can be matched to national science standards.  The activity offers numerous opportunities to address process standards, such as problem-solving, understanding technology and its use, and the ability and understanding to undertake scientific inquiry.  Skills required for the activity include measurement, graphing, and mapping.

 THE RESOURCES

PREP for the Moon – Teacher Guide

PREP for the Moon – Student Guide

The activity is also available in the context of Mars and Mars rovers:

PREP for Mars – Teacher Guide

PREP for Mars – Student Guide