Unplugged Robotics & Cyber-STEM Pack 3: Autonomous Rover Navigation (4th–8th)

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 Includes master materials checklist, classroom desk map layout, grid preparation steps, and rotation timing guidelines. Page 2: Student Answer Sheet (1-Page Master Handout) A 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 Provides fully worked grid path solutions, differential drive math, sonar physics explanations, flowchart logic answers, and case study key points. Page 9: 10-Point Master Grading Rubric A 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 🛠️ MATERIALS NEEDED Coordinate grid paper, erasers or small cars, pencil eraser obstacles, protractors, rulers, and basic calculators. Zero screens or programming required!