Robotic Missions on Mars

As previously discussed, a key use of robots is to perform tasks too dangerous for humans. Space exploration is one area where robots are essential. For your final project in Tech Ed, you and your team will build and program a robot to complete a specific mission on Mars. In fact, a robot very similar to our own has been exploring Mars in similar fashion since 2004.

The overall goal of your team is to contribute to the success of the mission. Just as in real life, different teams are given different tasks to achieve the mission of exploration. Just like in real life, your grade will be a combination of your individual contributions, your team’s contributions and the overall success of the entire class.

Below is a description of each mission and how success is measured. The combined total of all team’s scores will help determine your grade. After each description is a link to a page on the NASA website that shows how your mission compares to real tasks being done by the Mars Rover.

Mission 1: Clear the Solar Panel
Description: Leave the base and travel to the solar array, clear the dust off the solar array and return to base.

Scoring: 10 points for each “dust particle” removed and 20 points for a successful return to base. Total possible points = 100 points
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20071210a.html

Mission 2: Collect rock samples
Description: Leave the base and travel to the crater. Collect as many rocks as possible and bring them back to the base.

Scoring: 10 points for successfully gathering each rock. Another 10 points for each rock brought back to base. Total possible points = 120 points
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20070521a.html

Mission 3: Collect Core Samples
Description: Collect two core samples and return to base.

Scoring: 25 points for each core sample collected. Another 25 points for each core sample successfully brought back to base. Total possible points = 100 points
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/20040818a.html

Mission 4: Deploy the communications array
Description: Transport the communications array to the specified area. Push the bar to deploy the array and return to base.

Scoring: 50 points for successfully deploying the communications array. Another 50 points for successfully returning to base. Total possible points = 100 points
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20040903a.html

Skyscrapers - Building Big and Building Cool

You work for an architectural firm that has been asked to design a skyscraper for the Natick Collection. The mall is hoping that the new skyscraper will boost interest in the area while also providing low cost office and housing space to help grow the area.

The developers do NOT want a boring rectangular structure. They want something fresh and exciting to attract interest. Obviously height is a consideration, but more important is creating a building that looks interesting.

The architects at the firm have asked you to develop a model to help them sell their plan to the developers. There are some very specific constraints you must meet otherwise your plan will not even be considered.

• The tower must fit onto an that measures 20cm square.
• The tower must contain at least 6500 cubic centimeters of usable space.
• The frame of the model must be made using balsa and glue, but other materials like paper, straws, string, etc. can be used as decorative or finishing pieces.
• The model must include at least one floor, no less than 10 centimeters above ground capable of supporting a 1 kg weight. You must provide the testers a way to insert and remove the weight.
• You will have twenty 60 cm pieces of balsa to work with

Before you get started you should have a look at some other skyscrapers that have been considered notable for their unusual design. Some ones to look at are the:

• The TransAmerica Pyramid in San Francisco
• The Flat-Iron Building in New York
• The CitiCorp Building in New York
• The Lloyd's of London Building
• The Guggenheim Museum in New York
• The Sony Building in New York
• Taipei 101
• Musuem of Contemporary Art Building in New York

You can also go to skyscraperpage.com and look at any number of skyscrapers. It's a very large site so be careful not to get lost looking at all the buildings.

Intro to Orthographic Drafting

Click the link on the left to open the tutorial on Orthographic Projection. Answer the following questions on a seperate piece of paper and give to Mr. McCoy.

1. The first view drawn is called the front view. What are some key things when choosing which side to draw as the front view?
2. How are cut outs that are not visible marked on an orthographic drawing?
3. How are the top, front and side views arranged on slide 10. Why do you think this is?
4. Why is orthographic projection useful in engineering?