Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Vectors and Scalars: Guide two astronauts on a mission to Mars Virtual Lab

Learn how to differentiate between a vector and scalar quantity and identify the magnitude and direction of a vector. Define the vector components and solve basic engineering problems with the Cartesian coordinate system, while helping out two astronauts on their Relatedplanetary mission on the surface of Mars.

Try NowTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Read Case Studies
Blue Arrow Right
 
Vectors and Scalars: Guide two astronauts on a mission to Mars

About this Simulation

What do you do if a rover gets stuck on the surface of another planet? In this simulation, the future of a space rover, LERS-M, lies in the hands of two astronauts, who on their Relatedplanetary mission land on the same planet as the stuck rover. Your overall objective will be to help them out, using your knowledge of vectors and scalars. But it doesn’t end there!

The Cartesian coordinate system

Your first mission in the Vectors and Scalars simulation is to guide the astronauts from the control panel, through the hostile environment of Mars. In order to do so, you need to master the Cartesian coordinate system. Use real-time images sent from a satellite and provide information to the astronauts about their position, while identifying the magnitude of vector and scalar quantities.

The direction of a vector

Your next mission in the Vectors and Scalars simulation is to assist the astronauts in finding the safest route towards their spacecraft, and then the rover. Can you imagine how easy it would be to get lost on the surface of Mars? Since there are no signs or labels pointing them in the right direction, your task is to identify the direction of vectors and to learn how to add several vectors using the Head to Tail method.

The components of a vector

Once you have guided both astronauts to the rover, your last mission is to try to find the best solution to get LERS-M out of the loose mud that it is sinking in. A shovel, a hammer, and two ropes are at the disposal of the astronauts. Learn how to use the tools wisely while defining the components of the vector of force and expressing the components in the coordinate system.

Are you ready to apply everything you have learned about vectors and scalars, so that the rover LERS-M can continue to perform geological analysis of rocks and other planetary surface features on Mars?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Describe the difference between vector and scalar quantities
  • Identify the magnitude and direction of a vector
  • Determine the product of two vectors
  • Define the components of a vector

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Vectors and Scalars: Guide two astronauts on a mission to Mars" simulation?
What is the simulated Physics scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Physics labs does Labster offer?