Rovers, Reward, Risk and the Red Planet

Rovers, Reward, Risk and the Red Planet is a national teacher training Institute that provides middle level educators with the process, skills and confidence to investigate Mars exploration rovers and energy options with their students using The Keystone Center’s non-biased framework.

Highlights of the Institute

Non-biased Approach: Teachers are introduced to a new way of thinking about their approach to contentious issues. They learn strategies to identify and remove their own bias in order to facilitate student inquiry.

Rovers, Reward, Risk and the Red Planet Staff: The Keystone Center staff members are former classroom teachers who have been trained in the organization’s non-biased pedagogy. Staff is supported by facilitators who are past participants actively using the educational unit framework with their students.

Resources: All participants receive a curriculum notebook and CD-Rom, lab materials, and computer software.

Networking: Teachers from across the country share best practices, successful classroom activities and form lasting professional connections.

Evaluation: Each of the Institute participants will implement the unit in their classrooms and provide feedback through a detailed evaluation. Based upon their suggestions, The Keystone Center staff will continue to enhance the unit.

Course Credit:
Educators who successfully complete Rovers, Reward, Risk and the Red Planet have the option of receiving three graduate level credits from Colorado School of Mines at a minimal cost.

Unit Framework

Process Approach: The Rovers, Reward, Risk and the Red Planet educational unit brings the process of inquiry to the study of Mars exploration, specifically rover energy options. The lessons and activities provide middle level educators with step-by-step instructions to guide students through an investigation of all sides of Mars exploration.

Interdisciplinary: The unit integrates science, math, social studies, and language arts throughout the investigation.

Integration of Ideas: The Institute incorporates effective and innovative ideas, activities and methods, role playing and simulations, as well as small group work and lab activities.

Standards-Based: The educational unit guides educators in a standards-based instructional process. The investigation addresses national standards from multiple disciplines while meeting state and district guidelines.

For specific information on this training please contact Wendi Liles at wliles@keystone.org, or at 970-513-5807.

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Components

Simulation
Students work in mission teams to design a rover that is programmed to explore the simulated surface of Mars and gather scientific data. In a culminating activity, mission teams recommend their ideal rover energy option.

STEM Careers
Students are introduced to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers that relate to the field of aerospace. Learning about actual NASA employees makes STEM careers more accessible to students of all abilities.

Risk and Benefits
Using a unique learning tool, students weigh the risks and benefits for Mars rover energy sources. They incorporate a variety of perspectives in making their energy source recommendation.

pictures on this page courtesy of NASA/JPL