Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Time Required: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)
Students will design, build, and test a LEGO Lunar Rover using the LEGO 9686 Simple & Powered Machines Set. The rover must navigate rough terrain while maintaining stability and mobility. Students will explore STEM concepts such as gear ratios, suspension systems, weight distribution, and planetary exploration challenges, following an engineering design process to develop and improve their rover.
Engage:
Discuss: What challenges do real lunar rovers face on the Moon?
Uneven terrain
Low gravity (1/6 of Earth's gravity)
No atmosphere (affects dust movement and wear on components)
Harsh temperatures and radiation
Show images or videos of real lunar rovers (Apollo Moon Buggy, Perseverance, Curiosity) and discuss their features.
Key Question: How can we design a rover that moves effectively across rough surfaces?
The Challenge:
Design a LEGO Lunar Rover that can successfully traverse a simulated lunar surface while remaining stable and functional.
Constraints:
✅ Must have at least four wheels
✅ Must be able to roll over an uneven surface without tipping over
✅ Must use at least one simple machine (gears, levers, pulleys)
✅ If motors are available, students must determine the best gear ratio for movement
✅ The rover must fit within a 10-inch by 10-inch area (to simulate transport constraints)
Success Criteria:
🔹 The rover can travel at least 3 feet without tipping.
🔹 It can climb a small incline (like a cardboard ramp).
🔹 It remains stable over obstacles such as crumpled paper and foam mats.
Plan:
Introduce LEGO 9686 Simple & Powered Machines set.
Explain key STEM concepts:
Wheel configurations: How do different setups affect stability and movement?
Gear ratios: Trade-offs between speed and torque.
Weight distribution: A wider base may improve stability.
Suspension: Using beams and rubber bands for shock absorption.
Sketch & Design:
Students draw at least two possible rover designs.
Peers provide feedback before building.
Prototype & Test:
Students build their rovers using LEGO 9686 parts.
Testing the Rover:
Create a "Lunar Surface" using cardboard ramps, foam mats, and crumpled paper.
Each team tests their rover across the obstacles and records observations.
Monitor and ask design-driven questions:
What happens when you increase wheel size?
Does a wider wheelbase improve stability?
How does adjusting the gear ratio impact movement?
Reflect:
What worked? What helped the rover move effectively?
What didn’t work? Did it tip over? Get stuck?
How do real engineers solve similar problems?
Modify & Improve:
Adjust suspension for better shock absorption.
Experiment with different gear ratios.
Improve weight distribution for better balance.
Final Performance Test:
Each team presents their rover and explains the design choices they made.
Test on the lunar surface and record final performance data.
Engineering Notebook Evaluation:
Did students document their designs, tests, and changes?
Can they explain how their modifications improved their rover?
🔹 Math Connection: Calculate gear ratios and predict speed changes.
🔹 Real-World Application: Compare rover designs to NASA Mars/Lunar rovers.
🔹 Coding Extension: Program a motorized rover using LEGO WeDo or EV3.
🔹 NASA Connection: Discuss the Artemis program and the need for new lunar rovers.
✅ Engineering Notebook – Design sketches, testing results, and modifications
✅ Performance Test – Rover meets stability and movement criteria
✅ Group Discussion – Students explain what they learned
This lesson integrates a structured design challenge, encouraging problem-solving, iteration, and real-world connections while reinforcing STEM concepts. Would you like to add a competition aspect (e.g., longest distance, most stable design) for extra engagement? 🚀
Lego Instructions (if needed)