Printable ResourcesMars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix A: Pre/Post-TestAppendix B: Post/Post-Test Answer KeyAppendix C: Engineering Logbook
Engineering Design Challenge and Background Information Career Roles Engineering Design Process Decision Analysis Matrix
Appendix D: Exit CardAppendix E: Can You See Behind Your Back? Activity ReflectionAppendix F: Angle Art Lab SheetAppendix G: Jell-O Optics: Refraction Lab SheetAppendix H: Jell-O Optics: Absorption and Transmission Lab SheetAppendix I: Audio Transcript: “Would Things Sound Differently on Mars?”Appendix J: Close Listen/Read: “Would Things Sound Different on Mars?”Appendix K: Measuring Sound Lab SheetAppendix L: Pitch Lab SheetAppendix M: Sound and Light Choice BoardAppendix N: Engineering Design Process RubricAppendix O: Material Choice Explanation - HomeworkAppendix P: Debrief to Commander - PrewriteAppendix Q: Debrief to Commander - Graphic OrganizerAppendix R: Debrief to Commander RubricAppendix S: Additional Teacher Resources
www.daytonregionalstemcenter.org
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix A: Pre-Test/Post-TestName _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
1. Place an X next to all of the statements that correctly describe light. (6 points)
_____ Light is needed to see.
_____ Light is a form of energy.
_____ Light cannot travel through empty space.
_____ White is the absence of color.
_____ Color is related to light reflecting off an object.
_____ Dark colors absorb less light energy than light colors.
2. Which diagram below demonstrates the best placement of the mirror to provide the ability of seeing when someone is around the corner needed? (1 point)
= mirror
A. B. C. D.
3. Why can we hear the BOOM of fireworks and the chirp-chirp-chirp of crickets? Support your response with scientific facts. (2 points)
4. Using vocabulary that relates the science of sound, provide an explanation for why sound cannot travel through empty space. (2 points)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 2
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?5. A music conductor wants to reduce the amount of echoing occurring while his
orchestra plays in the auditorium. He is asking that community members provide suggestions for solving his problem.Think about ways the conductor’s echo problem could be solved, and then provide one suggestion below. Explain how your suggestion helps reduce the amount of echoing that occurs in the auditorium. (2 points)
6. In the box, draw a pentagon that includes all of the following (4 points): At least one right angle. At least one acute angle. At least one obtuse angle. A different letter labeling each angle.
7. Using the polygon you drew and labeled in question 6, complete each of the following tasks.a. List each of the letters you used to label the angles below. Next to each letter
identify if it is an acute, obtuse, or right angle. (3 points)
b. Measure each line segments included in your polygon to the nearest millimeter. Record your measurements below. (2 points)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 3
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?8. Complete the following light vs. sound compare and contrast chart. The first one
has been completed as an example. (18 points)
LIGHT vs. SOUND
Concept Feature
Scientific EvidenceFeature Comparison
Light vs. SoundLIGHT SOUND
Com
mon
Sc
ienc
e
FormLight is a form of energy because its energy produces heat and transfers it to objects.
Sound is a form of energy produced when the energy of motion makes an object vibrate.
Similar
Different
Mov
emen
t / T
rave
l
Speed Similar
Different
Ability to Travel Through Empty
Space
Similar
Different
Ability to Travel Through
Opaque Objects
Similar
Different
Strik
ing
a M
ediu
m (M
ater
ial) Ability to be
Absorbed Similar
Different
Ability to be Reflected
Similar
Different
Speed when Striking a Medium
Similar
Different
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 4
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?9. Students in room 16 tested the sound levels in their classroom seven times throughout
the school day. The following data points depict their collected decibel readings.
42 ½ dB 57 dB 45 ½ dB 57 dB 40 dB 57 dB 50 ½ dB
Construct a line plot that displays the results of their collected decibel readings below. Remember to label and include a title for your line plot. (8 points)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 5
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix B: Pre/Post-Test ANSWER KEY
1. Place an X next to all the statements that correctly describes the concept of light._X___ Light is needed to see._X___ Light is a form of energy._____ Light cannot travel through empty space._____ White is the absence of color._X___ Color is related to light reflecting off an object._____ Dark colors absorb less light energy than light colors.
2. Which diagram below demonstrates the best placement of the mirror to provide the ability of seeing when someone is around the corner needed?
= mirror
A. B. C. D.
3. Why can we hear the BOOM of fireworks and the chirp-chirp-chirp of crickets? Support your response with scientific facts. (2 points)
Answers will vary. Example of a correct response:The vibrations of a medium cause sound. When a firework explodes or a cricket chips, it causes the air around the explosion or chirp to vibrate. The moving air particles then cause the air around it to vibrate. This process spreads outwards causing sound waves. These waves then travel to your ear.
4. Using vocabulary that relates the science of sound, provide an explanation for why sound cannot travel through empty space.
Answers will vary. Example of a correct response:Sound is produced by vibrating objects and requires a medium (matter) through which to travel. There is no matter in empty space. Therefore, sound has nothing to travel, or vibrate, through.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 6
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?5. A music conductor wants to reduce the amount of echoing occurring while his
orchestra plays in the auditorium. He is asking that community members provide suggestions for solving his problem.Think about ways the conductor’s echo problem could be solved, and then provide one suggestion below. Explain how your suggestion helps reduce the amount of echoing that occurs in the auditorium.
Answers will vary. Example of a correct response:One suggestion to help the conductor reduce the amount of echo in the auditorium would be to hang thick curtains around the auditorium. The curtains instead of being reflected off a smooth wall would absorb the vibrations. Hanging curtains around the auditorium would reduce the amount of echo in the auditorium.
6. In the box, draw a pentagon that includes all of the following: At least one right angle. At least one acute angle. At least one obtuse angle. A different letter labeling each angle.
Possible drawing: <A <B
<D<C
<E
7. Using the above polygon you drew and labeled, complete each of the following tasks.
a. List each of the letters you used to label the angles below. Next to each letter identify if it is an acute, obtuse, or right angle.
Answers will vary. Example of a correct response:I. <A = obtuse
II. <B = rightIII. <C = acuteIV. <D = obtuseV. <E = acute
b. Measure each line segments included in your polygon to the nearest millimeter. Record your measurements below.
Answers will vary. Example of a correct response:I. <A to <B = 38 mm
II. <B to <E = 22 mmIII. <C to <A = 27 mmIV. <D to <C = 40 mmV. <E to <D = 12 mm
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 7
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?8. Complete the following compare and contrast chart. The first one has been has
been completed as an example.
LIGHT vs. SOUND
Concept Feature
Scientific EvidenceAre Light and SoundSimilar or Different?LIGHT SOUND
Com
mon
Sc
ienc
e
FormLight is a form of energy because its energy produces heat and transfers it to objects.
Sound is a form of energy produced when the energy of motion makes an object vibrate.
Similar
Different
Mov
emen
t / T
rave
ls
Speed Light travels faster than sound Sound travels slower than light Similar
Different
Ability to travel through empty space
Light can travel through empty space
Sound cannot travel through empty space
Similar
Different
Ability to travel through opaque object
Light cannot travel through an opaque object
Sound can travel through an opaque object
Similar
Different
Strik
ing
a M
ediu
m
Ability to be absorbed Light can be absorbed Sound can be absorbed
Similar
Different
Ability to be reflected Light can be reflected Sound can be reflected
Similar
Different
Speed when striking a medium
Light speed can change when striking a medium
Sound speed can change when striking a medium
Similar
Different
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 8
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?9. Students in room 16 tested the sound levels in their classroom seven times
throughout the school day. The following data points depict their collected decibel reading results.
42 ½ dB 57 dB 45 ½ dB 57 dB 40 dB 57 dB 50 ½ dB
Construct a line plot that displays the results of their collected decibel readings below. Remember to label and include a title for your line plot.
Decibel Readings in Room 16
X X
X X X X X< I---------I---------I---------I---------I---------I---------I---------I---------I---------I----------I > 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
Decibels (dB)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 9
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix C: Engineering Logbook
Starting Date: ______________
Completion Date: ______________
Team Name __________________________________________________
Team Member Astronaut Role Summary of Responsibilities
Why keep an Engineering Logbook?Engineers keep a logbook for organizing ideas and lessons learned while working on design projects.Many professionals keep a logbook so they can take their time, learn and apply best practices, and frequently reflect to learn from their successes and failures.
What is the purpose of an Engineering Logbook? Support completion of a quality design through following the engineering design process Personal activity and team collaboration notes Research and engineering analysis Individual, team, and product performance records Organization/format for easy re-reading and re-using prior research, findings, results Document processes and evidence for use in publications and/or obtaining patents
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 10
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Engineering Design Challenge Background Information
As we proceed into the future, space exploration is becoming an essential part of our own growth as humans. Space exploration requires innovative, creative, adaptable people to develop the technology necessary for these grand endeavors into new environments. Specifically, the first settlers on Mars will have to use technology developed on Earth in order to survive. On Mars,
the gravity is approximately one third of Earth's gravity; the average temperature is -81 degrees F, rather than 57 degrees F; and the atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide, rather than nitrogen. One specific challenge will be communicating on this new planet. Light and sound waves will
behave differently in this extraterrestrial environment, and those first settlers will have to adapt to these changes.
The first humans have landed on Mars - and you are one of the first colonists!
You are part of a team of four astronauts who have traveled for months to arrive at Mars - but due to an unanticipated storm, you did not land according to the plan. You have landed far away
from the Mars Base Camp, where the rest of the colonists are stationed. The base module contains your food, oxygen, and the rover, which will find you.
Team Astronaut Roles
Team LeaderManages the team members and makes any final decisions for the team.
Astronaut’s Name __________________________________________________
EngineerThe expert on designing and building your devices.
Astronaut’s Name __________________________________________________
ScientistThe expert on the physics and chemistry, and will be crucial in advising the engineer on how to make the most efficient devices.
Astronaut’s Name __________________________________________________
JournalistResponsible for archiving, photographing, and reporting all events that take place during this historical event.
Astronaut’s Name __________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 11
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Engineering Design Challenge
To ensure that your astronaut team is rescued, your challenge is to design a device that uses two methods for signaling colonists at Base Camp of your location: a sound that travels as far
as possible, and a beam of light that shines directly onto the Base Camp.
Sound travels differently on Mars than on Earth. It travels shorter distances at slower speeds. With this in mind, your device must be designed so that it can amplify sound as much as possible. Since you will be wearing pressurized suits, using your voice is not an option.
Your device must also project a beam of light onto the Base Camp from a small flashlight you brought from Earth. A beam of light is difficult to see during the day, so the probability of Base
Camp seeing your light signal increases after sunset.
Remember, the amount of oxygen aboard your spacecraft is limited. Therefore, you must follow the engineering design process to help you complete the challenge quickly and
efficiently!
Good luck, astronauts!
Important Challenge Reminders There is rough, mountainous terrain between the landing site of your
spacecraft and the area in which Base Camp is permanently stationed.
While attempting to signal colonists on Base Camp so they know your location, your device can only operate within an area of 4 feet by 4 feet around your spacecraft’s crash landing site.
The base module should be represented by two separate smart phones or tablets, each running a different measurement app:
One to measures the amplification of sound.
The other to sense light, and measure its intensity.
Because Base Camp is permanently stationed, your teacher will make sure the phones/tablets are always placed in the same position/location in the classroom.
When your team feels their device is reading for testing, you are allowed 4-minutes of trial time. If the device is unable to meet the challenge, your team must improve the design before attempting another trial.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 12
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Engineering Design Process
AskWhat is the problem you are trying to solve? Summarize the Engineering Design Challenge in your own words.
What knowledge about light and sound do you think you need to know before planning and designing your device?
Before creating a solution for the engineering design challenge, it is important that you understand how both light and sound behave. Your teacher will help you increase your prior knowledge by guiding your team though a series of labs.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 13
Ask:What is the problem?What have others done?What are the constraints and criteria?
Think:What are some possible solutions?Brainstorm ideas and choose the best ones.
Plan:Write your plan for solving the problem.Draw a diagram of your solution.Make a list of materials you will need.
Test:Follow your plan for solving the problem.Test your solution.
Improve:Think about design modifications.Make a plan for implementing modifications.Follow your plan and test again.
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Engineering Technical Brief
SoundWhy can we hear the BOOM of fireworks and the chirp-chirp-chirp of crickets? What we typically hear as sound is actually the vibration of air (or water) particles caused by a mechanical event like a vibrating string or the explosion of a firework. The air particles near the physical event get pushed around and begin to vibrate. The vibrations of the air near the physical event then crash into nearby air particles a little further away causing them to vibrate. This process of energetic air particles crashing into neighboring air particles causes the original vibration to spread outward from the source of the sound. This effect is known as a sound wave.Sound waves spread much like the ripples caused when a rock is thrown into a calm pond or lake. When the rock hits the water (the physical event) it disrupts the water and we observe a ring move outward from where the rock first hit the water. Although we see a ring moving away from where the rock, the water particles themselves are not moving. Sound travels through the air in much the same way as the ripples in the pond, only much faster. The speed of sound in air is typically 343.59 meters per second (at sea level, in dry air, at 68 °F). That is like traveling 768 miles per hour!Just as with the ripples in a pond, sound also grows weaker as it spreads out away from the source. The sound wave weakens because the same amount of energy that started the sound wave is now being spread out evenly over a wavefront that is growing larger and larger. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (pronounced des-uh-bel or des-uh-bul). Anyone who is closer to the source will hear a louder sound than someone who is further away from the source.As the sound wave travels through the air, it eventually reaches our eardrum causing the eardrum to vibrate. The speed of the vibrations at the sound source is interpreted as different sounds by our brains. When the source is vibrating very fast, it applies force on surrounding air particles more often, producing a higher frequency sound (like the chirp-chirp-chirp of a cricket) and interpreted as higher-pitches. Sources that vibrate slowly apply force on surrounding particles less often, producing lower frequency sounds (like the BOOM of a firework) and are interpreted as lower-pitches.The human ear is capable of detecting sounds caused by vibrations as low as 20 times per second (20 Hz) and as high as 20,000 times per second (20 kHz). The following YouTube video shows the wavelengths (and the corresponding tones) within this range: “20Hz to 20kHz (Human Audio Spectrum)” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=qNf9nzvnd1k (2minutes, 24seconds).While sound waves travel outward from the source of the sound, they can change direction by bouncing off of other objects in the environment. One common example is an echo. When we stand on cliff and shout out into a valley, our shout returns to us a short time later as an echo because it has bounced off of an object in the distance.A good explanation of sound waves is given in the “Bill Nye The Science Guy Season 1 Episode 12 Sound” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt1pTcfstC8 . (23 minutes, 03 seconds)
(Nave, R., 2000: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/soucon.html#soucon)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 14
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Engineering Technical Brief
(continued)
Light
Individual particles of light are called photons. Photons can be emitted by various sources such as a light bulb or the sun. Photons travel in a straight line until they encounter an object or material. When light encounters an object, it is either reflected or transmitted at the boundary between the two mediums (materials). The amount of light that is reflected or transmitted is dependent on the properties of the material. For instance, light mostly is transmitted through water or glass.
When light is transmitted, it is generally also refracted, at least by a small amount. When light is refracted, its direction of travel changes abruptly. How much the direction of travel changes depends on the angle the light meets the surface, the properties of the old and new medium, as well as the color (frequency) of light. In glass, lower frequencies of light are refracted less than higher frequencies. This is why white light can be separated into its component colors (i.e. a rainbow) using a prism.
There are also many objects that light cannot pass through. When light encounters these objects, it is either reflected or absorbed. Darker objects mostly absorb light, while brighter objects mostly reflect light. We perceive objects to be different colors because they reflect specific colors of light while absorbing others. For example, a red apple looks red because the red light that hits the apple is reflected while the other colors are absorbed.
The absorption of light causes objects to heat. Darker objects heat faster because they absorb more light. We perceive objects that absorb a lot of light as being darker because we perceive areas in our vision where there is less light as being darker. Similarly, shadows are areas in our vision with that we perceive as being darker due to the blockage of light by some object.
(Nave, R., 2000: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/ligcon.html#c1)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 15
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Possible Solutions
Indi
vidu
alTe
am
ThinkAfter reading the Technical Brief and conducting light and / or sound experiments, use the space below to brainstorm ideas for solving the problem; first, individually and then as a team.
After generating possible solutions, use the Design Analysis Matrix on the following page to analyze and determine the most ideal solution.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 16
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Design Analysis Matrix
1 Evaluate your team’s designs and list them in the spaces below. 2 Rank each design according to the criteria using 1, 2, 3, and 4, where 4 is
the best and 1 is the worst. 3 Then multiply the value times the rank to get the score. 4 Total each design’s score at the bottom.
Example
Individual Designs:Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4
Name:
Team Member A
Name:
Team Member B
Name:
Team Member C
Name:
Team Member D
Criteria Value Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Light 10 3 30 1 10 4 40 2 20
Individual Designs:Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4
Name:
________________
Name:
________________
Name:
________________
Name:
________________
Criteria Value Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Rank1 2 3 4
ScoreValue x Rank
Light 10
Sound 10
Easy to Use 2
Totals
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 17
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
PlanPlan a team design based on the results of the Design Analysis Matrix. First, draw the solution with the highest score below. As a team, you may also choose to include some ideas from the other three solutions. Next, write a plan for creating the solution from the materials provided for both light and sound.
Draw the top solution from the Design Analysis Matrix
Write a plan for creating the solution from the materials provided.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 18
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Create and Test
Measurement Conversions Documentation:Astronauts, while you are working on your design challenge, you must document your progress of the length your device’s beam of light reaches. This will help you determine its effectiveness. Use the appropriate measuring device to accomplish each task below.
Light and Sound Measurements Throughout Design ProcessAstronauts, while you are working on your design challenge, you must document your progress of reaching desired sound and light readings. Completing several light and sound trials before finalizing your design will help produce better results. Use the appropriate measuring apps to accomplish each task below.
Trial LightIntensity Reading
SoundDecibel Reading
1
2
3
4
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 19
Attempt Measurement Conversion Measurement
1 _______ ft. _______ in.
2 _______ yds. _______ in.
3 _______ cm _______ m
4 _______ mm _______ cm
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
ImproveIs there a solution that has the best combined light and sound results? If so, move on to the Improve process. If not, take the light portion with the highest score and combine it with the sound portion with the highest score to construct a new design.
Construct a new design and retest.
Collaborate with your team members to modify and improve your design. Create the new design idea, test, and record the data below.
Trial LightIntensity Reading
SoundDecibel Reading
1
2
3
4
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 20
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?ReflectReflect by documenting the successes and failures of your design(s).
Successes Failures
Based on your data and reflection, how would you complete the engineering design challenge if you had a chance to start from scratch? Sketch an idea and explain your decision.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 21
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix D: Exit Card
Name _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
On the back of this paper, draw a picture of your team’s set-up showing how you hit the bull’s eye with your light source. Use your pencil to draw the light as it goes through the index cards.
How must the cards be placed so that the light goes through the holes?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What property of light does this demonstrate?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Appendix D: Exit CardName _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
On the back of this paper, draw a picture of your team’s set-up showing how you hit the bull’s eye with your light source. Use your pencil to draw the light as it goes through the index cards.
How must the cards be placed so that the light goes through the holes?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What property of light does this demonstrate?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 22
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix E: Can You See Behind Your Back? Activity Reflection
Name _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
In the box below, draw a diagram showing how you were able to use a mirror to see behind your back.
1. What needed to occur before you were able to see the toy?
2. What did using the yarn or ribbon teach you about the way light travels?
3. What can you conclude about how light appears to travel?
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 23
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix F: Angle Art Lab Sheet
Name _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
Question: How does the angle of a light beam striking a mirror affect how the light beam reflects off the mirror?
Tested Variable: __________________________________________________
Controlled Variables: ______________________________________________
Background Research:A beam of light can be thought of as traveling in rays. (Definition of ray: A part of a line which starts at a point and goes off in the same direction forever.) When a beam of light travels to a mirror it strikes the mirror and the beam of light reflects off the mirror and travels in a different direction. The incoming beam and the reflected beam create an angle. If you draw a line dividing the angle exactly in half, the line you just drew is called the normal line. The angle with created by the beam of light traveling to the mirror and the normal line is called the angle of incidence. The angle created by the normal line and the beam of light reflected off the mirror is known as the angle of reflection. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Adjusting the angle of a beam of light striking a mirror affects how the light beam reflects off the mirror.
View the following YouTube video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHlucFI0Qdo
Hypothesis:Based on your research, what is the answer to your question?
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 24
< of reflection< of incidenceNormal Line
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Materials:
water stirring spoon flat mirror(3x5 works best)
9X13 glass cake pan 1000 mL beaker tablespoon
2 Tbsp. of salt 11X17 white paper paper towels
colored pencils (5 colors) protractor ruler
pencil orblack color pencil laser pointer
SAFETY PRECAUTION: Never shine laser at anyone. Do not allow reflected laser light to shine at anyone.
Procedure:1. Draw a lengthwise line with a pencil and ruler about one inch from the edge of
a 11x17 sheet of paper.
2. Randomly draw five small Xs on the lengthwise line. Use a different colored pencil for each circle.
3. Place the 13-inch edge of the 9x13 pie pan on the lengthwise line.
4. Lightly trace the outside of the pan with a pencil on the 11x17 sheet of paper.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 25
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?5. Remove the pan from the paper.
6. Randomly place five small dots inside the outline of the pan. Each dot should be a different color. Use the same five colors that you used to make the Xs.
7. Place the pan on the paper. Try to place the pan on the outline you drew in step 4.
8. Carefully fill the pan ¾ full of water using the 1000 mL beaker. Do not spill any water on the paper.
9. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water.
10.Carefully stir the salt with the stirring spoon until the salt is all dissolved.
11.Place the mirror in the water with the reflecting side facing the Xs you drew in step 2. Move the mirror so the side is on top of a dot you drew in step 6 and parallel to the line you drew in step 1.
= mirror
12.Hold laser on one of the Xs you drew in step 2. Shine laser on the outside of the pan through the side of the pan and water. Angle the laser light so it reaches the point that matches the same color of the X you placed the laser.
= laser
13.Draw a dot on the paper where the light beam of reflection exits the pan with the same color pencil of the X you placed the laser light.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 26
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?14.Repeat step 12 and 13 with the last four Xs and dots.
15.Carefully remove the glass pan of water from the sheet of paper.
16.Use the ruler to connect the X with the dot that was under the pan. Connect the like colors. For example: connect the blue X with the blue dot. Repeat this so all five Xs and dots are connected.
17.Use the ruler to connect the dot that was under the pan to the dot you made where the beam of light exited the pan. Connect the like colors.
18.Measure each angle with a protractor. Record your data in the analysis section of this lab sheet.
19.Divide each angle in half using a protractor. For example: If the blue angle measures 70, half of the angle would measure 35. Draw a black line to indicate the half angle. This line is the normal line.
20.Record the measurements in the analysis section. The first angle with the X is the angle of incidence and the second angle is the angle of reflection.
Observations:Record your angle measurements in the following chart:
Angle color Complete angle Angle of incidence Angle of reflection Example: blue 70 35 35
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 27
3535
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Conclusion:How does the angle of a light beam striking a mirror affect how the light beam reflects off the mirror? Justify your answer with data.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Possible Errors:Why might your observations have been different than your classmates’ observations? What mistakes might have been made in this experiment that would affect results?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Future Study:If you could do another experiment to find out how light is reflected, what would you test?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 28
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix G: Jell-O Optics: Refraction Lab
Name _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
Question: How does the shape of Jell-O affect how light moves?
Tested Variable: __________________________________________________
Controlled Variables: ______________________________________________
Hypothesis:Based on the class demonstration, what will happen when light travels through different shapes of Jell-O?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________Materials:4” x 4” piece of yellow Jell-
Olaser pointer plastic cup (for
shaping)
plastic knife butcher paper (table covering)
Procedure:1. Gently remove the Jell-O from the plastic bag and cut it into three equal
strips.2. Use the plastic cup and knife to cut-out the following shapes from the Jell-O
strips:
3. Place one Jell-O strip on the butcher paper.4. Shine the laser pointer through the Jell-O, with the laser pointer flat on the
butcher paper. Experiment with shining the laser through all parts of the Jell-O. Does the laser beam appear to bend after it exits the shape?
5. Draw the path of the laser beam as it exits the Jell-O under the observations section of the handout.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with each Jell-O shape.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 29
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Observations:Use the shapes below to sketch what the laser beam looked like as it exited the Jell-O. The path of light entering the Jell-O is already drawn. Draw the path of light as it exits the Jell-O.
(UEN, 2002)
Conclusion:How does the shape of Jell-O affect how light moves? Use data to justify your answer.________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Possible Errors:Why might your observations have been different than your classmates’ observations? What mistakes might have been made in this experiment that would affect the results?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Future Study:If you could do another experiment to find out how light moves, what would you test?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 30
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix H: Jell-O Optics: Absorption and Transmission Lab Sheet
Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Question: How does the color of Jell-O affect how light moves?
Tested Variable: __________________________________________________
Controlled Variables: ______________________________________________
Hypothesis:Based on what you know about the absorption and reflection of light, what will happen when you shine red and green lasers through red and green Jell-O?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Materials:1” x 4” piece of red and yellow Jell-O red and green laser pointer
butcher paper (table covering)
Procedure:1. Shine the red laser beam through the red Jell-O.
2. Shine the red laser beam through the green Jell-O.
3. Shine the green laser beam through the red Jell-O.
4. Shine the green laser beam through the green Jell-O.
Observations: Complete the following table by writing the word “absorbed” or “transmitted” in each box.
Red Jell-O Green Jell-O
Red Laser
Green Laser
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 31
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Conclusion:How does the color of Jell-O affect how light moves? Justify your answer with evidence from your results.________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Possible Errors:Why might your observations have been different than your classmates’ observations? What mistakes might have been made in this experiment that would affect the results?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Future Study:If you could do another experiment to find out how light is absorbed or reflected, what would you test?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 32
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix I: Audio Transcript: “Would Things Sound Differently on Mars?” http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/questions/qotw/question/1000017/
Sun, 25th Nov 2012Question
Jodie asked:Hi Naked Scientists!I have a question about Mars: I know the atmosphere is a lot thinner than here on Earth so does that mean sound would travel slower there?I was thinking about Curiosity wanting to talk with one of his rover buddies & how they could communicate over long distances.Thanks guys, love the show, keep up the good work!Jodie Rio
AnswerHannah - Is it true that on Mars, no one can hear you scream?First up, we crack into some calculations. In general, the speed of sound is proportional to the square root to the substance’s stiffness divided by its density. Since Mars’s atmosphere has a lower density than here on Earth, you'd expect the speed of sound to be faster than here on Earth. But if you reduce the pressure of a gas, the stiffness also reduces. So, the speed of sound should stay about the same on Mars as it is on Earth. But there's another factor to consider. Mars is further away from the sun. How does this affect the speed of sound? Over to an expert…Catharine - My name is Catharine Conley and I'm the NASA Planetary Protection Officer. The difference is temperature. If you reduce the temperature of the atmosphere, the speed of sound does get slower. In fact, the speed of sound on Mars is about 2/3 of the speed of sound on Earth.Hannah - So, say two humans were to land on Mars, given the slightly lower speed of sound there, could they still speak to each other? A listener got in touch with his thoughts.Evan - Hello. This is Evan Stanbury from Sydney, Australia. The speed of sound on Mars is around 240 meters a second. A bit lower than the 340 meters a second on Earth. By itself, that wouldn’t make sound communication harder. However, the atmospheric density of Mars is less than 1% of Earth, almost a vacuum by our standards. This means that sound attenuation is much greater and so, speech wouldn’t carry very far. Human mouths and ears would not be able to couple sound efficiently into or out of the thin Martian atmosphere, so humans would be effectively deaf.Hannah - So, yes. The speed of sound is slower on Mars. Largely, due to the cold temperature there. And the atmosphere’s lower density isn’t suited to human speech and hearing systems, which have evolved for life on Earth. Instead, radio waves, a form of light travels fine through low densities and so, can be used as a method of communication up there which is how exploratory rovers on Mars like Curiosity, communicate, not with each other but with us on Earth using radio wave messages traveling at the speed of light and taking about 15 minutes to be received here on Earth.
(The Naked Scientists, 2012)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 33
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix J: Close Listening and Reading:“Would Things Sound Different on Mars?”http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/questions/qotw/question/1000017/
Name _______________________________ Date _________ Period _____
1. What happens to sound as the temperature gets lower? Cite the evidence that supports your answer.
2. What is the speed of sound on Mars compared to Earth? Would this difference alone make it impossible to communicate? Support your answer with facts from the article.
3. What impact will the lower density have on being able to hear other people speak? What would be the best way to communicate? What facts reinforce your answer?
4. In your own words answer the question - Is it true that on Mars no one could hear you scream?
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 34
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix K: Measuring Sound Lab Sheet
Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Question: How does sound travel through various materials?
Tested Variable: __________________________________________________ Controlled Variables: ______________________________________________
Hypothesis: Based on what you know about how light moves, how do you think sound will travel through various materials?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Materials:Sound Check app (tone generator) Decibel 10th app (sound meter)
variety of materials to generate sound variety of materials to insulate sound
Procedure:1. Choose several items that make sound. Measure the decibels of each sound
using the Decibel 10th app and record it in Chart A.
2. Use the Sound Check app to listen to several tones. Changing the Hertz (Hz) of the tone changes it’s pitch. Choose one tone to use when conducting the rest of the Measuring Sound Lab.
3. Using both the Decibel 10th app and Sound Check apps on two separate devices, measure the decibels of the tone you have chosen to conduct the rest of the Measuring Sound Lab. Face the speaker of the Sound Check app device one inch away from the microphone of the Decibel 10th app while the tone is playing. Record your measurement in Chart B.
4. Repeat step 3 by placing each material in between the speaker and microphone of the two devices. In Chart B, record the decibel reading of the tone after it travels through each material.
Observations
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 35
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Measuring Sounds Chart A:
Name of Object Decibel Reading
Measuring Sounds Chart B:
Material Tested Initial Decibel of Tone Final Decibel of Tone(After traveling through material)
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 36
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Conclusion:How does sound travel through various materials? Use data to justify your answer.
Possible Errors:Why might your observations have been different than your classmates’ observations? What mistakes might have been made in this experiment that would affect the results?
Future Study:If you could do another experiment to find out how sound moves, what would you test?
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 37
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix L: Pitch Lab Sheet
Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Question: How does the length of a straw kazoo affect its pitch?
Tested Variable: __________________________________________________
Controlled Variables: ______________________________________________
Hypothesis: Based on what you know about how size affects pitch, how will cutting the length of the straw kazoo change its sound?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Materials:
straw scissors
Frequency Counter app ruler
Procedure:1. Watch the video clip and follow the instructions to make a straw kazoo.2. Experiment with the straw kazoo until you are able to use it to make a
humming sound.3. Measures the length of the straw, and then record it in chart below.4. Measure the pitch of the straw kazoo with the Frequency Counter app and
record it in the chart below.NOTE: This portion of the experiment may be conducted as a whole class.
5. Cut off a small portion of the straw on the end opposite of the side you blew into.
6. Repeat steps 4-6 several times until the straw becomes too short to cut.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 38
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?
Observations:Length of Straw
in centimeters (cm)Description of Sound Pitch of Hum (Hertz)
Conclusion:How does the length of a straw kazoo affect its pitch? Use data to justify your answer.________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Possible Errors:Why might your observations have been different than your classmates’ observations? What mistakes might have been made in this experiment that would affect the results?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Future Study:If you could do another experiment to find out how the pitch of a sound changes, what would you test?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 39
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix M: Sound and Light Choice BoardTeam Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Create a song/poem/rap comparing and
contrasting light and sound energy.
Use the Venn Diagram to compare
and contrast light and sound energy.
Create a comic strip to compare and
contrast light and sound energy.
Design a game show comparing and
contrasting light and sound energy.
Free Choice(Clear your idea with your teacher first.)
Design a play to demonstrate your understanding of light and sound
energy.
Give examples in nature to show how
light and sound energy are similar
and different.
Draw a diagram to explain the
differences and similarities between
light and sound energy.
Generate a presentation
demonstrating your knowledge of the similarities and
differences between light and sound
energy
**All Activities must include at least five facts about sound, five facts about light and three facts about how they are similar.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 40
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix N: Engineering Design Process RubricTeam Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
4 3 2 1
Ask /Think
4 design ideas are purposely formed in response to the design challenge problem.It is evident that research was been conducted outside of the classroom while brainstorming,
4 design ideas are purposely formed in response to the design challenge problem.
4 design ideas are loosely formed in response to the design challenge problem.
4 design ideas are randomly formed.It is apparent that design challenge problem is misunderstood or overlooked.
Plan /Design
Team fully utilizes the Design Analysis Matrix as a fair method for evaluating individual design ideas and creating a final team design plan.A strategic plan is created for using available materials to effectively meet the design challenge.
Team utilizes the Design Analysis Matrix as a fair method for evaluating individual design ideas and creating a final team design plan.A plan is created for using available materials to complete the design challenge.
Team utilizes the Design Analysis Matrix as a fair method for evaluating individual design ideas and creating a final team design plan.
Team attempts to utilize the Design Analysis Matrix as a method for evaluating individual design ideas and creating a final team design plan.It is evident Matrix directions are misunderstood and/or not followed.
Solution /Test
Design is created as a solution to the engineering design challenge. Connections to real-life events are communicated.Expectations for collecting and recording data, and for taking converting measurements are exceeded.
Design is created as a solution to the engineering design challenge.Expectations for collecting and recording data, and for taking and converting measurements are fully met.
Design is created as a solution to the engineering design challenge.Expectations for collecting and recording data, and for taking and converting measurements are met.
Design is created as a solution to the engineering design challenge.Attempts to meet expectations for collecting and recording data, and for taking and converting measurements.
Reflect /Improve
Design improvements are based on in-depth analysis of collected data as well as on thoughtful reflection of previous design results.Displays evidence of collaboratively making and carrying-out decisions based on guidance from the engineering design process to quickly and efficiently solve the problem.Lists design’s successes and failures supported by evidence that is based on scientific facts and collected data.
Design improvements are based on analysis of collected data as well as on reflection of previous design results.Displays evidence of collaboratively making and carrying-out decisions based on guidance from the engineering design process to quickly and efficiently solve the problem.Lists design’s successes and failures supported by evidence that is based on collected data.
Design improvements are based on brief analysis of collected data as well as on reflection of previous design results.Displays evidence of collaboratively making decisions based on guidance from the engineering design process to solve the problem.Lists design’s successes and failures
Design improvements are haphazardly based reflection of previous design results. No consideration for collected data is evident.Displays evidence of attempting to make decisions based on guidance from the engineering design process to solve the problem.Lists design’s successes and failures
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 41
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix R: Material Choice Explanation (Optional)Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
List each material chosen by your team members. Give a written explanation of why those items were chosen (pros and cons) and how they relate to light and sound.
Material Pros Explained Cons Explained Light vs. Sound -Feature Comparison
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 42
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix P: Debrief to Mission Commander - Prewrite
Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Debrief (verb) – to make a report to a superior after a mission or event.
Each of your team’s astronauts has been ordered to debrief the mission’s commander on Earth about the engineering design challenge and your team’s solution. Throughout your report, be sure to reference the “Debrief to Commander Rubric” as well as the “Engineering Design Challenge Rubric.”
Consider the following talking points to help you debrief the commander:
Knowledge you have gained about light and sound.
Knowledge you have gained from various experiments, such as the Jell-O, mirrors, pitch, and decibel readings.
Knowledge you have gained by using the Engineering Design Process.
Mathematical concepts, such as line plots and measurement conversions, you have used to help you support your design choices and interpret data.
Apps, technical briefs, engineering logbook information that supports your reasoning for design choices and final conclusions.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Vocabulary you may want to use in your informative writing:
discovered designed attempted measuredaligned reported observed concluded
Below, list important light and sound vocabulary that will help you debrief the mission’s commander about your team’s challenge and solution.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 43
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix Q: Debrief to Mission Commander - Graphic Organizer
Team Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Introduction: Our Mar’s Rover astronaut team’s problem was _____________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
The Body (explain how your team used the Engineering Design Process):First, our team ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Next, our team ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Then, our team ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Conclusion:Finally, our team of astronauts solved the problem by _______________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 44
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix R: Debrief to Mission Commander - RubricTeam Name __________________________ Date __________ Period _____
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 45
4 3 2 1
Focus
Supports reasoning with evidence from labs and technical brief to clearly introduces problem and address all parts of the prompt
Clearly introduces problem and addresses the prompt.
Introduces the problem and addresses the prompt, but omits some details.
Attempts to introduce the problem and address the prompt. Omits important details, making piece difficult to follow and understand.
Information
Displays a deep knowledge of the topic, including several accurate facts and in-depth details.
Displays intended knowledge of the concept, including several accurate facts and details.
Displays some knowledge of the concept. Lacks many relevant facts and details.
Displays basic knowledge of the concept. Includes evidence of numerous misconceptions.
Language
Uses in-depth, precise language and domain-specific scientific vocabulary terms to expound on the topic.
Uses precise language and domain-specific scientific vocabulary terms to correctly explain the topic.
Uses language and scientific vocabulary terms to correctly explain the topic. Misunderstanding of two or three terms is evident.
Attempts to use language and scientific vocabulary terms to explain the topic. Misunderstanding of several terms are evident.
Conclusion
Includes an in-depth, meaningful conclusion, which states how knowledge of concepts played a major role in designing a solution to the problem.
Includes a meaningful conclusion, which states how knowledge of concepts helped design a solution to the problem.
Includes an effective conclusion, which attempts to states how knowledge of concepts helped design a solution to the problem.
Includes conclusion, but does not state how knowledge of concepts helped design a solution to the problem.
Conventions
Few to no errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Communicates ideas at a level above expectations.
Few to no errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Communicates ideas at the level expected.
Few errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. One or two errors interfere with communicating an idea at the level expected.
Several errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation Communicates ideas below the level expected.
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Appendix S: Additional Teacher ResourcesEngineering Design Challenge: Additional Options
Options for conducting the challenging by teaching only sound or only light are provided below.
Engineering Design Challenge (Light Only)
To ensure your astronaut team is rescued, your challenge is to design a device that signals Base Camp of your location by shining a beam of light directly onto Base Camp.
The device must also project a beam of light onto Base Camp from a small flashlight you brought from Earth. A beam of light is difficult to see during the day, so the chances of
Base Camp seeing a light signal might increase after sunset.
Remember, amount of oxygen aboard your spacecraft is limited. Therefore, quickly and efficiently complete the challenge by following the engineering design process!
Good luck, astronauts!
Engineering Design Challenge (Sound Only)
To ensure your astronaut team is rescued, your challenge is to design a device that signals Base Camp of your location using sound that travels far as possible.
Sound travels differently on Mars than on Earth. It travels shorter distances at slower speeds. With this in mind, you must design the device so that amplifies sound as much as possible. You will be wearing pressurized suits, so using your voice is not an option.
Remember, amount of oxygen aboard your spacecraft is limited. Therefore, quickly and efficiently complete the challenge by following the engineering design process!
Good luck, astronauts!
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 46
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Day 2: How Does Light Travel?
Explanation and Visuals for Instructor
When the index card is marked with diagonal lines and a hole is made at the intersection of those lines - it should look like this:
When a bull’s eye is created for the fourth card - it should look like this:
This is a picture of what the set-up of index cards should look like:
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 47
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Day 4: Angle Art
Visuals for Instructor
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 48
Mars Rover: Can You Hear Me? Can You See Me?Suggestions for Representing Mountainous Terrain on Mars
The “mountainous terrain” students will need to send beams of light around in order to signal Base Camp of their location could be created in various ways. Create your “barrier” using resources and space available to you. The only stipulation is that the barrier must remain the same throughout the engineering design challenge.
One idea is to loosely crumble brown and/or green butcher paper in such a way that it forms “mountains.”
Another idea is to place brown and/or green butcher paper around chairs as pictured below.
Suggestions for Smart Device Measurement Apps and Setup
1. Designate two phones and/or tablets that will represent Base Camp: one to measure light intensity, and one to measure sound amplification. Download the following apps onto the phone/tablet. On the first phone/tablet, download a Light Meter app, such as "Megama LuxMeter" by
Neonlite International, Ltd. On the second phone/tablet, download a Sound Meter app, such as “Decibel 10th” by
SkyPaw Co. Ltd.
2. Place both phones/tablets behind the your created terrain. Be sure they are standing upright (this could be accomplished by leaning them against something), and facing toward the terrain.
3. In front of the terrain, designate an area of approximately 4’ X 4’ and restrict the movement of their devices to this area as they complete testing.
4. Allow students to test their devices as instructed in the “Engineering Design Challenge” section of their Engineering Logbooks.
Draft: 5/6/2023 Page 49