✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can test a rover mission safely and identify changes needed to improve reliability.
Main Activity
Run controlled trials of an open-loop mission and debug one issue at a time.
Deliverable
Rover test log and revision notes
Tools / Materials
VEX rover platform, coding device, navigation markers, measuring tape, notebook
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Rover missions rarely work perfectly on the first test. Debugging requires changing one variable at a time so the team knows which change caused the improvement.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Testing and debugging means collecting evidence, identifying the error source, revising commands, and retesting under similar conditions.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Run repeated trials of the same mission path and record whether the rover reaches the intended target or checkpoint.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Complete a test log showing trial number, result, issue observed, code or procedure change, and next test.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your notes should show evidence-based debugging rather than random changes.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for flowcharts, system diagrams, calculations, mission layouts, and design sketches.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Use for rover trials, actuator tests, timing data, accuracy measurements, and observations.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource