A 9-page unplugged STEM lab on differential drive math, grid navigation, sonar triangulation, wall-following algorithms, and Mars rover case studies.
Introduce differential drive kinematics, wheel velocity turning calculations, ultrasonic sonar triangulation vectors, wall-following algorithmic control loops, and real-world planetary robotics with Unplugged Robotics & Cyber-STEM Unit 3: Autonomous Rover Navigation Algorithms! This 9-page printable resource requires zero computers, code blocks, or expensive hardware. Designed for a seamless 60- to 75-minute hands-on lab rotation using simple materials like coordinate grid sheets, rulers, erasers, protractors, and calculators.
What Is Included in This 9-Page Pack?
Page 1: Teacher Setup & Master Guide: Master materials checklist, classroom desk map layout, grid preparation steps, and rotation timing guidelines.
Page 2: Student Answer Sheet (1-Page Master Handout): Single, accountable student worksheet for smooth clipboard rotation across all 5 lab stations.
Page 3: Station 1 Sign (Unplugged Grid Navigation Lab): Students plot coordinate paths around fixed obstacles to guide a rover from Start (0,0) to Goal (6,6) using step-by-step direction commands.
Page 4: Station 2 Sign (Differential Drive & Velocity Lab): Students calculate motor pulse times and determine turning curve directions based on left vs. right wheel speed dynamics (V_L vs. V_R).
Page 5: Station 3 Sign (Sonar Triangulation Schematic): Students draw 2D echo reflection rays and analyze how angled surfaces create false distance readings and sensor blind spots.
Page 6: Station 4 Sign (Autonomous Wall-Following Algorithm): Students evaluate a closed-loop conditional flowchart to determine wheel velocity adjustments for left-wall alignment and obstacle avoidance.
Page 7: Station 5 Sign (Real-World Case Study): Students read a technical passage on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover AutoNav System, analyzing stereo 3D mapping and signal latency challenges in deep space teleoperation.
Page 8: Detailed Teacher Answer Key: Fully worked grid path solutions, differential drive math, sonar physics explanations, flowchart logic answers, and case study key points in plain text.
Page 9: 10-Point Master Grading Rubric: Criteria-based rubric scoring each station on a clear 0-to-2 point scale for quick and objective grading.
Learning Objectives & Alignment:
NGSS MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2: Engineering Systems & Autonomous Collision Avoidance
CSTA 2-AP-10, 2-AP-12: Unplugged Control Loops, Conditionals, & Autonomous Navigation Algorithms
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 & MP4: Applied Coordinate Geometry & Angular Speed Calculations
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$4.50