Our experiment was we are planning to change the motor on the rover to test the durability and speed of each trial rover. The aim of our experiment was to get the fastest and most durable rover we can achieve. 

This was our mission because we wanted to determine the best motor choice for achieving a fast and durable rover. Finding this out can open options and opportunities to learn about what is good for getting the most information about Mars. Getting this information can find the mysteries of the altered climate and natural resources of a terrestrial planet.

We made 3 trials for the rover with different motors to test on an obstacle course to get our best results. Our obstacle course was made with sand, rocks, glue, cardboard, and many other materials. The experiment focused on testing different motors with varying voltage ranges and evaluating their impact on the rover's performance. Factors such as speed, power, and the ability to navigate through a challenging terrain were examined throughout the trials. 

We used what we learned in grade 9 science in the design by using terms and information from our second unit Exoplanets & Ecosystems. we used the information from that unit and applied it to our experiment by getting information about Mars in lesson 8 - Space habitats by looking at the aspects of Mars and what the resources are like there. We also used our knowledge of circuits in this project. We had to build a series circuit in order to get the rover working. We mainly focused on voltages for this project.

Our project went well, we were able to collect quality data that we could use to answer our hypothesis and other questions. I think we had a lot of success because we knew what we were doing and we made a plan. One thing we could have done differently could be to change the terrain or rover to be able to complete the course every time because we made it too hard for two of the three motors to complete the course. We could have collected better data to better represent the speed of the rover.

To take our project to the next level we have different ideas of what to do. Some ideas we want to exceed next are ways to make the wheels bigger, add an energy source with natural+ sustainable resources on Mars, and figure out a way to add a camera.

Going on with this even further, we can create many opportunities for younger generations to contribute to this kind of task of improving rovers in the future & our project.

This is an important cause because rovers help with research to understand what the different parts of the planet are made of and what it looks like. Rovers can also characterize different rocks and soils that hold answers from past water activity. They should continue on with this because this can be a perfect opportunity to find out what natural and sustainable things are on Mars and helps to address questions about our place in the universe and the history of our solar system especially when Mars is called Earth-like. 

We would take this project next by learning more about Mars and about rovers and robotics in general. With this knowledge, we would be able to take it to the next step with other teachers and assistance to try out our different ideas.

Each member of the group should reflect on what they learned.  You may have learned some neat stuff about science, but you also learned some other great skills like time management, goal setting, collaboration, and problem-solving.

During the Space Camp project I learned to work well with others and to solve problems more efficiently, I also learned to manage my time better and that some things take longer than expected and it can be a challenge but I was able to complete all my work well and on time.  (Daniel)

During the Space Camp Project, I learned more knowledge about the use of rovers, the reasons why they are used on many planets, and the surface of Mars. By overcoming obstacles like the terrain on Mars and the Rover and still finishing the trials on time, I also learned how to work more effectively and submit assignments on time. (Priya)

Throughout the project, I learned many new things. These include facts about the Mars environment, how the amount of power can change the outcome completely, the relationship between circuits, and how RV vehicles work. I also learned a lot about how to balance different parts of an assignment at the same time. I learned that working in a group has its benefits as well as its disadvantages. (Alla)