Mars Rover Exploration
This learning block represents one week’s work. Aim to watch at least one video and choose at least one activity or project to complete.
There are three videos to choose from about the Mars Rovers. The first one is better for younger kids, the others will appeal to older kids. Feel free to watch one, or all three!!
How are the Mars rovers Different?
Sojourner 1997
Curiosity 2012
Tianjian-1 2021
Spirit & Opportunity 2004
Perseverance 2021
Now choose an Activity
Code Your Own Mars Rover
Use Scratch, a simple programming language to program your own Mars rover with this activity from MIT!
How cool is that?!
Here’s the link to the programming page.
Watch the video above to get started!
Play NASA’s Rover Game
Download and play NASA’s FREE Mars Rover Game.
You can even learn about how the game compares to real life.
mars lander Experiment
Test your engineering skills by making a Mars lander!
You need a paper cup, a marshmallow, some popsicle sticks, straws, tape, string, and whatever else you need to build a safe lander for your rover!
Draw a Mars Rover
Visit Nasa’s Mars Classroom
Visit NASA’s Mars classroom for lots of activities, lessons, and learning experiences for kids!
Project: Make A Mars Rover out of recycled objects
Make a model of a Mars rover out of the contents of your recycling bin!
Watch this video first, learn a bit more about the Mars missions, then dig through your bin and find some supplies to build your own version of a Mars rover!
Mars Rover Exploration Presentation with Kobe Boykins
Watch this deep dive presentation by Kobie Boykins, a NASA engineer, talking about Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. Learn about the rovers, their missions, what they learned, and the challenges they faced!
This is a presentation done by National Geographic for adults, but any space curious kid about ten or older will love it!
Kobie is super engaging and fun, he tells stories and makes you laugh!
Books About Mars Rovers
Click on a book to buy it from Amazon. Or, you can ask for them at your local library.