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Learn about rover exploration, NASA Langley EDL research, and the Engineering Design Process (EDP).

The NASA Curiosity mission was an important achievement on the path to one day sending humans to Mars. One major component to the success of Curiosity's mission, EDL (Entry, Descent, and Landing), was tested using computer simulations at NASA's Langley Research Center. NASA is currently working on a mission called Mars 2020. This new rover mission is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort towards robotic exploration of the Red Planet.

While completing this badge, you will:

- Investigate about how NASA has explored Mars and future plans for exploration.
- Explore how science, technology, and mathematics are integrated within the engineering design process.
- Design, construct, and solve problems on how to land the Mars 2020 rover on Mars much like the NASA engineers who planned the Curiosity mission to Mars.
- Make recommendations on how these activities can be implemented within your classroom.

This badge, based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), is intended for middle school teachers (grades 6-8). However, the material presented in this badge could also be applied towards upper elementary and high school standards. For specific standards covered, please click on this link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LzR0E1Vw0PK9nORbQBpDZXa6IHK-cMBU3mDBt4rRYr4/edit?usp=sharing

Materials List: 1 small (8 oz.) Styrofoam coffee cup, three 3"x5" index cards, three 4"x6" index cards, 1 regular-size marshmallow (or 2 pennies), 3 flexi straws, scissors, masking tape, 10 rubber bands, stopwatch (or timer), meter stick, calculator, landing target made of a construction paper square (30x30 cm) with an "X" marked in the middle, access to a camera (or way to take pictures), access to a printer, and a friend or family member for assistance (***note: You are not required to use every material listed. This is the maximum amount of materials you may use for the engineering design challenge.)

Acknowledgements: This badge was created by the Educator Professional Development & Student Engagement team at NASA Langley Research Center with middle school educator Marjorie Thrash and pre-service educator Candace Walker. Thanks to EPDC and the educators and outreach specialists from NASA Langley's Aeronautics, Science, and Space Technology & Exploration Directorates. Special thanks also to our reviewing team of educators George Roesch, Wanda Hathaway, Karen Kingrea, Rebecca Schnekser, Ruthanne Cole, Missy Holzer, Bo Lowrey, Gary Popiolkowski, Michael Jabot, Kevin Nelhuebel, Karen Clarck, and Kathleen Weeks.

Original badge author: NASA Education Specialist Marilé Colón Robles at Marile.ColonRobles@nasa.gov

Graphic used for this badge was created by Anthony Bossard from the Noun Project

Click here to begin the steps of the badge.