Rosalind Franklin is the ESA rover that will be on board the future ExoMars mission that will land on Mars (TBD). The name Rosalind Franklin was chosen because she was the first scientist to discover the double helix structure in the macromolecule of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Similarly, the rover's excavation of the surface of Mars is expected to provide clues to the search for past and present life on the planet.

OBJECTIVES OF THE EXPERIENCE:

The students' goal is to familiarize them with the autonomous robotic science operations of Mars exploration. To do this, the team will create code with block programming that makes the rover follow a line and avoid obstacles with the ultrasonic sensor.

Students will work in two Teams, by roles:

• Role 1: Programmers of the rover's actions
• Role 2: Testing technicians.

The rover must be able to:

• To follow, without leaving, a "simulated Martian circuit",
• Move along a marked path, making corrections if you leave the marked line (thick black on white line).
• Stop the advance or remote,
• Take action if a number of conditions are met

Students will reserve time in the "test area" to test the programmed rover and the communication will adjust it until stable and safe movement is achieved.

RECOMMENDED AGE: 14–17 years

KEY COMPETENCES (LOMLOE):

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

DIDACTIC OBJECTIVES:

• Become familiar with block programming.
• Schedule a rover to follow the line with left/right corrections.
• Integrate ultrasonic obstacle detection into the code and execute safe evasion.
• Adjust the code to make sure it follows the line

or i.e.: for example, reduce the reading speed of the line per section (to be defined) to ensure that it follows the indicated path).

NOTE: Speed reading is optimal for a regular high-contrast circuit, such as a black circle on a white background. However, when the route is irregular the rover must read every less time/distance in order to ensure that the path followed by the rover is correct.

MATERIALS:

• 1 micro:bit v2 + 1 Rover Maqueen per team (with batteries).
• Computer or tablet with MakeCode and Maqueen extension (DFRobot).
• Hint: black tape on cardstock/white paper (smooth curves).
• Obstacles: Small blocks/boxes.

INCLUSION:

• Suitable for students with motor disabilities (accessible track height, shifts in tasks).
• Adaptable to visual impairment (high contrast on the track, oral descriptions of tests). Can you add sound when you go off the line or stop moving?

SAFETY:

• First test with wheels in the air.
• Use circuit on the floor (not on the table).
• Maqueen battery switch as emergency cut-off.