LUNAR QuEST

NASA recently launched a Rover (ROV) to the Moon to explore new areas and collect critical scientific data. However, the ROV lost power before any of the findings were sent back to Earth. A faster and more reliable process to gather this type of information is needed. The result is a new directive from NASA - human astronauts will return to the Moon!

AteamofastronautsmustboardaSpacecraftandlaunchtotheMooninsearchofa long-term habitat on the Moon. A team of scientists and engineers are stationed in MissionControlonEarthtocommandandassisttheastronauts.OncetheSpacecraft crew successfully lands on the Moon, they must deploy a Lunar Exploration ROV to identify a suitable location for a sustainable long-term human habitat.

However, when the crew receives troubling readings from below the Moon’s surface, the two teams must work together and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour!

Major STEM Concepts

n Study lung tissue samples to analyze the impact of radiation exposure during space flight.

n Explore lunar surface features and properties that could protect astronauts.

n Conduct experiments to test theefficiencyofsolarpanels used as an energy source during the mission.

n Use a digital microscope to explore and analyze lung tissue samples.

n Design electrical circuits to troubleshoot and determine functional and non-functional solar panels.

n Assemble and troubleshoot the parts of the Rover required for the mission.

n Conduct experiments to measure the mass of rock samples and calculate the density.

Suggested Grades
7-9

Matching funding of 50% per district is available thanks to a generous donation from Cenovus Energy.

Teams

One member of each team will be in Mission Control for the first half of the mission while the other is assigned to Spacecraft. At the midpoint of the experience, the group in Mission Control launches to SpacecraftandtheSpacecraftgroupreturnstoworkinMissionControl.

Communications Objectives:ServeasthecommunicationsleaderbetweenMissionControlandSpacecraft. Branches of Study: Communications, Physical Sciences/Sound Waves

Career Connections: Communications Engineer, Satellite Engineer, Systems Technician

Navigation Objectives:CalculateandplottheSpacecraft’scoursetotheMoonandbacktoEarth. Branches of Study: Aviation, Aerospace Studies and Operations

Career Connections:Pilot,AerospaceEngineer,AirTrafficController

Rover

Objectives: Design and assemble the ROV that is launched to the Moon to search for lava tubes. Branches of Study: Engineering, Network Support, Information Technology, Communications Technician Career Connections: Computer Scientist, Mechanical Engineer, Structural Engineer

Weather

Objectives: ConductexperimentsandcollectdatatoanalyzetheefficiencyofthesolarpanelsontheSpacecraft. Branches of Study: Meteorology, Astronomy, Environmental Engineering
Career Connections: Meteorologist, Electrical Engineer, Astronomer

Medical Objectives:ConducthealthassessmentstoensurethesafetyofthecrewintheSpacecraft.

Branches of Study: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Nutrition, Health Sciences, Counseling/Mental Health Awareness Career Connections: Nutritionist, Counselor, Emergency Medical Technician, Nurse, Doctor, Medical Assistant

Biology

Objectives: Conduct experiments and investigate lung conditions that can occur due to radiation exposure. Branches of Study: Laboratory Sciences, Respiratory Diseases, Infectious Diseases
Career Connections: Biologist, Respiratory Therapist, Epidemiologist, Lab Technician

Robotics

Objectives: Conduct experiments to determine if solar panels are functioning and then create a coding program for the robotic arm to replace the appropriate panels.
Branches of Study: Coding, Electrical Engineering, Computer and Informational Technology

Career Connections: Electrical Engineer, Computer Scientist, Computer Programmer, Systems Technician

Life Support Objectives:ConductexperimentsandtroubleshootthesystemsontheSpacecrafttoensuretheenvironmentis safe for the crew during the flight.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety

Career Connections: Environmental Engineer, Chemist, Systems Technician

Geology

Objectives: Collect data and analyze the physical features of the landing sites on the Moon. Branches of Study: Physical Sciences, Geology, Environmental Sciences
Career Connections: Geologist, Chemical Engineer, Seismologist, Land Surveyor

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