ROver Driving Academy
The moon is 384,000 Kms away but you can bring it right into your classroom and learning space!
The Rover Driving Academy experience offers an out of this world opportunity to bring STEM to life in your classroom. It combines a real rover driving experience on a simulated lunar surface with mission objectives, facilitator support and a whole lot of fun!
Canada is going to the Moon and your students can travel along, unlocking all the curiosity and wonder that space exploration holds.
This is a free program offered to grade 6-9 students. This experience is provided free to participants by the Canadian Space Agency, with support from Mission Control and Pinnguaq Association.
Rover driving experience
Below is the activity guide that includes student roles, information about the Moon and everything needed to lead the students through the rover driving activity. If selected, we’ll work with you to book a 1 hour time slot in our Moonyard, giving you and your students an opportunity to drive the rovers virtually!
* Participation in rover driving is not required. Downloads below are open to all!
Downloads:
Classroom Presentation
Teacher Guide
Student Handout
On demand at any time, this immersive simulation offers educators and students an opportunity to virtually explore the lunar landscape, enhancing their understanding of lunar science and rover operations.
Optional curriculum packages
Explore the lesson plans below for a full science curriculum for space. These lessons help you teach your students about the Moon, rovers and more! At the end of the program we’ll work with you to book a 1 hour time slot in our Moonyard, giving you and your students an opportunity to drive rovers virtually!
* Participation in rover driving is not required. Downloads below are open to all!
Downloads:
Lesson plan 1, Lesson plan 1 teachers guide
Lesson plan 2, Lesson plan 2 teacher guide
Lesson plan 3, Lesson plan 3 teachers guide
Lesson plan 4, Lesson plan 4 teacher guide
Interested in the Rover Driving Academy? Here are your next steps:
- Let us know you’re interested! Fill out the form below to apply and we’ll contact you to set up a call if you’re selected, spaces are limited.
- If selected, we’ll book you an hour in our Moonyard (simulated lunar environment) for your students to remotely drive the rovers. Please note, all activities will be booked on Thursdays.
- We will provide all the information you need to teach and lead the activity with your students. Typically you will present this to the students a day or two before the activity.
- After you present the material to the students, they will log in from your classroom and conduct a science mission operating real rovers live in our Moonyard in Ottawa, Ontario.
- Drive, explore and have fun!
- After the activity you will be contacted to complete a short survey.
*please note: for this activity you will need a laptop/Chromebook for each participant, up to a maximum of 20 laptops/Chromebooks. Class sizes larger than 20 are accommodated by extra roles that do not require laptops, described in the materials provided.
Personal Data and Privacy Notice
Personal Information is collected under the authority of section 5.2 of the Canadian Space Agency Act and is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act. More details about the departmental handling of personal information can be found at www.infosource.gc.ca. You have the right to access your personal information held by the CSA, and to request that it be corrected, by contacting the CSA Access to Information and Privacy office at aiprp-atip@asc-csa.gc.ca. In addition, if you feel that your personal information is being handled inappropriately, you have the right to file a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner by calling their information centre at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact pages at www.priv.gc.ca.
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