Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, my name is Nicole and i am in 7th grade. For my 7th grade project my topic was: Does wind effect the evaporation of water? I was able to place 1st at my school in my category and 2nd in regionals for my category. However, i was not able to qualify for state. I soon found out that state qualifyers get an $8000 scholership to FAU. That set my mind. I would try to the best of my ability to get to state for 8th grade. I already started to think of science fair topics and the one that i really liked was trying to create a Mars Rover. I know it would be difficult. First, i need to build it out of a metal that will withstand -60 degrees F as well as being light weight and can move on the sandy rocky surface. I also need to create moveable arms to collect samples and put cameras to record data. But the biggest problem i would have is trying to create the WIRELESS controller that will have the option to controll the rover and its features. i dont know anything about signal transmissions and im not the best at wiring. Do you think my idea is too broad and complicated for someone my own age? I really wanted to do a science project on astronomy because I 101% LOVE it! Do you have any astronomy science fair topics that would be a LITTLE less complicated than building a Rover?
PLEASE HELP ME IN ANY WAY YOU CAN!!

Hi,

You are the best judge of whether you want to take on building a Mars Rover model. If you are fascinated by the idea and can think of a way to do it, go for it. If you want other ideas in Astronomy, here are some projects suggested by Science Buddies:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... o0MzMxODg4

You may also want to read the Science Buddies Project Guide:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... l?From=Tab

You might also be interested in:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/200 ... raters.php

One of the coolest project ideas I have been asked about is estimating the age of moon craters. If you are interested read this thread:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... =26&t=4953

Have fun with whatever you do!

Best regards,


Barrett L Tomlinson

dear can i make a mars rover,

not that this isn't totally awesome for a seventh grader to want to make a Mars rover, but then we need to come back down to Earthe and not Mars. The chances of making an actual improvised Mars rover are slim but continue on with your ideas until one finally suits you.

~GretaStorlie