In this activity, students will simulate manning a rover on the surface of a terrain to be explored.

 

 

To do this, they need to do three actions, being able to divide the group of 4-5 students into the following roles:

• Role 1: Rover Programmer
• Role 2: Programmer of the connections between antenna (controlled) and controls
• Role 3: Controller programmer (MakeyMakey)
• Role 4: Testing Technician

Students will have to ask for time to do their tests with the rover in the "test area" where it will simulate its "exploration circuit" (i.e.: a crater) and understand how a tangible interface connects the real world with block programming (Radio → event when receiving chain), practicing debugging, decision-making and coordination.

 

RECOMMENDED AGE: 14–18 years

 

LOMLOE COMPETENCIES:

• Competence in science, technology and engineering
• Digital competence
• Personal, social and learning to learn competence'

DIDACTIC OBJECTIVES:

• Simulate a cooperative exploration mission with differentiated functions.
• Programming a block rover in MakeCode that responds to radio strings.
• Solve problems through trial and error in a gamified and secure environment.

MATERIALS:

• 1 micro:bit + 1 Rover Maqueen (battery)
• 1 micro:bit emitter
• 1 Makey Makey + Crocodile Wires + Silver Foil Arrows · 2 computers or tablets with MakeCode
• Martian circuit on the ground (ribbon, "rocks", craters, base).
• Wipes/paper for hand hygiene and testing area.

NOTE: Teachers can decide whether to use the code of the robotic mission as a basis and edit the necessary parameters on top of it. If this were the approach, the team should only focus on the design of the rover's controls with MakeyMakey and the connection between the two codes.

INCLUSION:

• Suitable for motor disabilities (flexible roles; table/low height control).
• Adaptable to visual impairment (high contrast on cards, auditory description, use of the logo as Stop, textures on obstacles).

SAFETY AND HYGIENE:

• Dry hands when touching wires; Do not eat the fruit after activity.
• Clear test area to prevent tripping and bumps.