Ward's® Engage Air-Propelled Rovers, IBL Case

In this inquiry-based learning case, students enter the role of mechanical engineers advising an international council on the development of air-propelled rovers and reducing collisions during off-planet exploration.

Students enter the world of mechanical engineering as they are tasked with understanding all aspects of air-propelled rovers and powered vehicles in general to advise an international council developing vehicles for exoplanet exploration. Students work in teams through three scenarios and hands-on activities to learn the relevant concepts and propose an optimal solution.

This inquiry-based learning (IBL) case is part of a series of lab activities developed in partnership with the Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It includes free access to a comprehensive professional development module available through Ward's to learn how to teach IBL cases. Cases can be tailored to your needs: cover from 2 to 3 class periods up to 7 to 10 class periods. Cases can also be customized to include all scenarios and deliverables or jump straight to the hands-on activities it is up to you.