Space

= **//Mind-Opener//** = media type="custom" key="10173613" If it would be possible to get humans to Mars in the near future, where else do you think we might be able to explore? Would you choose to be a space tourist? If so, where would you choose to go? ***** Why is it relevant for us to learn about robots in space?
 * We may see the first humans to explore Mars and other areas of space beyond Earth and the Moon
 * We may have the choice to explore the Universe more ourselves as space tourists (or as astronauts for those of you who aspire to this.)
 * Space robotics is an area of science that is always evolving (changing over time)
 * Many objects or parts of objects, and systems designed for space exploration are used in other ways in everyday life.

***** = //**Establishing our data**// =

**Post your thoughts about these on the discussion board.**

 * 1) What makes space interesting to learn about?
 * 2) Why do humans choose to explore space?
 * 3) How were discoveries about space made in the past?
 * 4) How do we currently explore space?
 * 5) Why do we use robots? Why don't we always use robots?
 * 6) What role do you think robots will have in exploring space in the future?

***** = //**Exploring our ideas**// = media type="custom" key="10173379"

1. Create a mind map of other possible ways to gather energy when travelling in space. Bear in mind that energy never really gets used - it simply changes from one type of energy to another.

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2. Make a hand (a kind of end-effector) for a humanoid robot that can grasp an object. Click here and scroll to the first activity for the details on two designs or create your own.

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3. Draw a blueprint of a robot that could travel to the sun to get more information to send back to Earth.

Things to think about: ***** = //**Examining our Thinking**// =
 * How will your robot get out of Earth’s atmosphere and into space?
 * The sun is a long way from Earth. How will it get it energy to travel?
 * What sort of protection will you need to keep your vehicle safe on its journey?
 * What do you want to learn from the robots mission? How will it gather this information get this back to you on Earth?
 * Do you want to leave space junk? If not how will you get rid of any junk?
 * Should we spend money on exploring space when we could be using this money to help people in need?
 * Would it be better to invest time and resources into saving our planet rather than looking for a new place to inhabit in the future?
 * Can you think of advantages and disadvantages of sending robots into deep space where their is potential to encounter new life forms?
 * The development of technology always has the potential to be used for destructive purposes. Do you believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Are their ways to help reduce this risk when developing new technologies?