Problem Solving in Space Workshop

This is our most open-ended program, challenging students to work closely in teams, communicate effectively, and be creative. Working in teams and with minimal instructions, your class will face an engineering challenge for an eventual Mars landing. Teams work together to plan and build a moving structure out of Lego-Dacta.

The complexity of the challenge will depend on the grade level and teacher’s needs: typical challenges include designing motorized Mars Rovers, moving bridges, outrigger support legs, and more! Teams will learn the nature of the problem that needs to be addressed, discuss and sketch a design, and then, restrained only by time and available materials, come up with a practical way to address it.

We have seen some amazing results from students here: often, groups will come up with remarkably different approaches to the same problem. When groups are stuck, they are encouraged to discuss the problem amid their group and with other groups. The emphasis here is on open communication among and between groups (groups have a chance to ask questions of each other and share ideas while designing and building their machines), and on finding creative solutions to real engineering problems. At the end, groups will present their concept (finished or in-progress) to their classmates.

This workshop offers students a chance to get genuinely creative and develop their teamwork and communication skills.

Curricular Links:
Grade 3: Building with a Variety of Materials
Grade 4: Building Devices and Vehicles that Move, Wheels and Levers
Grade 8: Mechanical Systems
Grade 9: Space Exploration

Learner Outcomes:
SpacePort closely matches its programs to Alberta Learning’s Programs of Study for elementary and junior high grades. We are always happy to fax or email a detailed outline of how our programs match Specific Learner Expectations (SLEs) and General Learner Expectations (GLEs) as established by Alberta Learning. Please call or email our Educational Program Director for further information.

Cool and relevant space facts:
SpacePort has a display based on the Sojourner Truth nanorovers, allowing students to guide model rovers across a mock Martian landscape.

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