In this classroom activity pupils design and build a tentacle-like robotic arm that captures debris, represented by Lego pieces. Pupils then compare different sticky surfaces that will help to trap the debris and are given the opportunity to improve their designs based upon what they have learned.

Although no humans have been to Mars, we have sent lots of spacecraft and rovers to explore this distant world.  In this resource, students will design their own rover and answer the question “Which would be better to explore Mars, humans or robots?”

The accompanying video clip focuses on human missions to...