Introductory Presentation

Slides and Notes

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Mission to Mars Introductory Presentation
This booklet is a PDF copy of the introductory PowerPoint presentation for the Mission
to Mars Faraday Challenge. You can use this presentation as a guide for both you and
your students during the day. The PowerPoint presentation includes the use of some
related film clips which can be found at the bottom of the resource page.

This booklet presents all of the presentation slides and accompanying notes, which
included the use of the following files:

1. Mission to Mars Introductory Presentation (PPT)

Includes references to the video clips listed below (items 3-4) – you will need a
video player installed on your computer which plays MP4 formats in order to view
these video clips (digital media players are readily available to download for free
online).

2. Mission to Mars Introductory Presentation Slides and Notes (PDF)

3. Video clip: Briefing video (MP4)

The first introduction to the challenge day explaining the challenge brief and
tasks involved in the challenge.

4. Video clip: Outro video (MP4)

Video to show at the end of the challenge day before the winning team is
announced.

5. Sound effect: Drum roll (MP3)

Sound effect to play just before the winning team is announced.

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Slide 1

Notes
9.15 am
Notes:
As students arrive, get them to fill out Team Registration form and check they have 130
Faradays
9.30am (5 minutes)
• Welcome to the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s DIY Faraday
Challenge Day.
• Today is a STEM challenge – does anyone know what STEM stands for? Elicit
responses from students or tell them: Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Maths – today you will be using all of your knowledge and skills in these subjects.
• Today you are no longer students you are teams of engineers and there is a very
important problem which you are required to solve!
• Before we get started......... Health and Safety/Housekeeping.

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Slides 2 & 3

Notes
‘What is engineering?’ – elicit responses briefly.

What do you think that engineers have helped to create in this room? Emphasise the
point that engineers will be involved in everything – clothes, curtains, building, heating,
cooling, lighting, tables, chairs, bags, electrics etc.

On click (slide 2) - Engineering is the application of science to the needs of humanity!

Emphasise point that engineers create things that we can use, they help people!

There are many types of engineer – highlight the range using the pictures on the slide.

Use picture of wind turbine to emphasise that engineers are crucial in the role of
sustainability. Define sustainability if required.

Ask pupils who are interested in a career in engineering- pupils to raise their hands if
they are interested.
3

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Slide 4

Notes

Play briefing video.

Approximately 4 mins.

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Slide 5

Notes
• ‘Make It 2 Mars’ is a fantastic opportunity to further mankind so what does your
team need to do?”

• ‘Make It 2 Mars’ have the resources and launch system for the prototype rocket
however they need a good quality prototype constructing by your team.

• Remember there are two parts to this challenge – the transportation system and
the rocket. You need to complete both in order to be successful.

• For the test of your prototype you will need to be able to transport your rocket
over a distance of 3 metres safely and effectively.

• Your transportation should include an electric circuit – you will lose points if it
does not.
5

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Slide 6

Notes
• This is a competition. Each person will have a certificate to show they took part in
the day (give to teachers to write names out).

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Slides 7 & 8

Notes
• STEM knowledge and skills - Engineers are problem-solvers. They rely on
science, maths, technology and design to be successful. Engineers take risks so
that they can create something new. Think about what you already know and how
this knowledge can be applied creatively today! Be brave in your ideas – we will
reward those who challenge themselves.

• Shop - Purchase materials you will need to build your prototype. Supplies are
limited. You can negotiate on price but you can only sell back to the shop for half
price. No selling between teams. You may want to consider using recyclable
materials if you are going to think about sustainability.

• Budget - Keep accurate records of your purchases. You need to know that the only
time the amount you spend comes into play is when there are two teams on the
same points. The one who has spent the least will win. You should not compromise
the effectiveness of your designs in order to save money. 7

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• STEM consultant - You can purchase consultancy time but consultants do not
make your prototype or come up with initial ideas.

• Engineering team brief - Contains all the key information which you will require to
be successful. Keep referring to it.

• Inspiration Station - Help get the creative ideas flowing by visiting the inspiration
station.

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Slide 9

Notes
• Don’t forget this is a competition. You will be judged on these categories. Look at
the marking criteria on page 10 of the Mission to Mars team brief to see how you
can gain maximum marks.
• The first two sections will be judged on your planning sheets (refer them to A3
planning and reflection sheets) and from discussion with your team and
watching your progress.
• Your accounts sheet can be found on page 9 of the Mission to Mars team brief.
Look at the marking criteria – marks are given for accuracy, cost effectiveness
and neatness so you may want to keep your accounts in rough initially and then
copy them out.
• Your presentation and prototype marks will come from the final test. We will give
you further information on what should be in the presentation later in the day.
• We will be watching how you work as a team throughout the day. Marks will be
deducted for any unsafe working or where you do not work together as a team.
9

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Slide 10

Notes
• Go through the tips for safe working! Emphasise all cutting and gluing to take
place at the station – use safely and properly.

10

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Slide 11

Notes
• Electricity is a part of most modern engineering projects. You need to be careful
when working with electricity.
• On the tables there is the equipment you will need to make a circuit including a
motor.
• Help the students where necessary.
• Set the time limit (10 mins) and give the team a 5 minutes warning.
• Once time is up stop the students and check their progress by asking:
What is important about the way you attached the wires to the battery? What did
you have to do to attached the wires to the motor?
• Ask the question on the slide (students may shout the answer or may do a
hands-up vote if they are a shy group). Important to note that direction of motor is
determined by way motor is connected to power source.

11

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Slide 12

Notes
• A rocket will launch when the forces acting on it are right. In this case it is thrust
and weight.
• We will be using this rocket launching station. It works on compressed air for the
thrust – this will be the same pressure for all groups.
• You need to thing about the weight of your rocket. If it is too heavy it will not
launch. The heavier an item the harder it is to get it moving – it is easier to push
a box of tissues than a car.
• We can see this if we blow the paper cover off a straw.
• Blow the paper cover off a straw. Use this to illustrate the idea of ensuring the
end of the rocket is closed and that the rocket fits closely on the pipe. Introduce
the rocket body former on their tables. Get them to consider the idea of weight
and the effect on thrust.
12

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Slide 13

Notes
• In real life, engineers work in teams and their ability to work well as a team is key
to their success. Today, you are going to take on real–life engineering roles to
experience what it is like to be part of a problem solving team.
• There is no time to lose so you have 10 minutes to allocate roles, fill out name
tags. Think about the skills you all have and how they are best used for the good
of your team.
• Give 5 minute warning.
• When they have allocated roles, ask each team member to stand up role by role
…. ‘Project managers please stand up. What is your role?’ Clarify key points for
each role, thank them and say it is nice to meet them. ‘Accountants, please stand
up. what is your role?’ ….. etc.

13

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Slide 14-26

Notes
STAGE 1: Planning and research
• Brainstorming of ideas
• Planning and research

STAGE 2: Development and modifications

• Shop opens
• Development and build of prototype solutions
• Modification of prototypes
• Testing

STAGE 3: Final build and testing of prototype

• Final modifications
• Preparation of presentation
• Shop closes at 1.30 p.m.
• Look in the Mission to Mars team brief for the schedule of the day. Don’t worry –
you do get a morning working break at 11.10 for 10 minutes and lunchtime is
from 12.30 until 1.00! 14

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Slide 27

Notes
• Call PMs to the front of the room - brief Project Managers on content of the
presentation which they will relate to the rest of their team.
• Remind them to look at the marking criteria to ensure they include everything
required.
• Although all the team has to stand at the front for the presentation they do not all
have to speak.

15

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Slide 28

Notes
• The shop is now shut.

• Accountants please submit your completed accounts sheet and any remaining
Faradays to the shop manager.

You have 15 minutes to:

• Finalise your presentation and ensure everyone knows their role.

• Get finance sheet from Shop Manager to check against accounting sheets.

• Mark accounts sheet.

• Check final amount against remaining Faradays and shop accounts for accuracy.
16

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Slide 29

Notes
• Testing is fun. There may be problems or issues with prototypes but it is
important to be relaxed! Remember I am marking on a number of different things
and the competition is not won or lost on the performance of the prototypes.

• Ask students to bring their chairs to the front to make a semi-circle behind the
judging table.

• Ask a teacher/technician to operate the launch station.

• Get a student to time the presentation, etc.

17

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Slide 30

Notes
13.45-14.45 pm

60 mins
(Includes time to assemble students at the front, give instructions for how the
presentations and testing will be carried out and then 8 minutes per team for
presentation and testing).

Notes:
• Remind teams of the format of the presentations and tell them how you will
indicate that they are coming near to time.
• Teams to come up and present their findings.
• 1 minute given to set up their prototypes.
• Teams are randomly chosen to present their reflections.
• Team’s come up to the front of their room to setup device and present. 18

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Slide 31

Notes
Judging is a difficult business so whilst we consult and check our figures please could
you help us by tidying up quickly and without asking us questions.

19

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Slide 32

Notes
• Each team has been fantastic and you have all be successful in completing the
DIY Faraday Challenge Day set for you today.
• Give each team feedback about your strengths in the challenge today. Winner to
be announced.
• I will not be telling each team what score they got (apart from the winning team)
or where they came in the rank order because we want you all to go home today
celebrating your success rather than thinking ‘We came sixth/fifth/fourth/etc’.
• Relay careers messaging – what should they do next if they enjoyed the day.
• Play wrap up video (approximately 2 mins).
• Go through each teams’ strengths and then announce that there can only be one
winner.
• Ask students to do drum role and announce winner with the number of points
they got.
• Ask students to put their hands up if they are interested in a career in
engineering.
20

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The IET DIY Faraday Challenge Day 'Mission to Mars’ is based on the Faraday
Challenge Day of the same name, a STEM activity day written and delivered by the
Attainment Partnership on behalf of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The IET Faraday website hosts a wide range of teaching resources for science, design
and technology and maths. These include classroom activities with film clips, online
games, posters, careers resources and STEM activity days.
www.ietfaraday.org

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

IET Education 5-19
Michael Faraday House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage Herts
SG1 2AY
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)01438 767653
F: +44 (0)01438 765526

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England &

Wales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SC038698).

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