UPD8

Rough Science 6: Rocket lander challenge

Try the activity

Please login to download activities

Curriculum link

KS3 Select and use a suitable strategy for solving a problem: identify strategies appropriate to different questions, including those in which variables cannot be easily controlled.
Carry out preliminary work such as trial runs to help refine predictions and to suggest improvements to the method.
Make sufficient systematic and repeated observations and measurements with precision, using an appropriate technique.
Select and use appropriate methods for communicating data.
Use scientific knowledge and understanding to make predictions and check reliability.
KS3 Forces: Recognise how the effect of force depends upon the area to which it is applied and that the force acting per unit area is called pressure.
Recognise that gravity is a force of attraction between objects, that this force is greater for large objects like the Earth.

Running the activity

The best way to start these activities is to show the beginning of the rough science programme, where Kate Humble sets the challenges, and the five scientists come up with ideas. Then you can set the same challenge to your students. After they have completed the activity, you can compare the students' solutions with those of the TV scientists, by showing the end of the programme.

Page 1 sets the scene. Pupils first think about why the mass needs to be kept to a minimum. Pupils need to appreciate that if the mass is greater more fuel will be needed each time it needs to change direction or speed. And also more fuel is needed to carry the extra fuel!

Page 2 is a work file with a list of materials. Teacher or lab technicians may want to make changes to this to take account of the materials readily available.

As a homework activity pupils could be asked to discuss in what ways their lander in the laboratory was not a good model for a real Mars lander. They could also research how gravity and arid resistance differ on Mars from Earth.

Extension
Pupils design a chemically-powered rocket using vinegar and sodium hydrogen carbonate powder, or fizzy antacid tablets and water. The body of the rocket could be made from a vitamin or film container. A standardised set of materials would be available. This could also include a lander and pupils could be challenged to keep their lander in the air for as long as possible.

Web links

News links

Beagle 2

The Beagle 2 lander and probe have their own site with lots of information which pupils could look at as a research homework - making comparisions with their own design. For some classes it may even be preferable to turn the scenario around and ask pupils to design an Earth bound laboratory lander informed by what they have found out about the Beagle 2 lander.

Mars Express

Mars Express pages of the European Space Agency are an excellent background to the mission as well as providing up to date information as the mission unfolds. link back to

Reviews & Comments

Write your online review to share your feedback and classroom tips with other teachers. How well does it work, how engaging is it, how did you use it, and how could it be improved?