Rules and Guidelines - University of Houston
Skip to main content

The Honors College

Rules and Guidelines

If you would like to enter your school into the Mars Rover Celebration for the category of Mars Habitation please read the following rules first.

All Entries Expectations:

  • Student teams will design and construct a model of a martian community. Each model or layout should be designed to display on a table top. Max dimensions are 2 ft X 2 ft X 2 ft (LXWXH).

    • Materials can include Legos, styrofoam, cardboard, aluminum, wood, plastic, etc.

  • Individual students will write and illustrate a short story. Books must be:
    • At least 8 pages.
    • Typed or written in black pen. No pencil.
    • Illustrated: color pencil or crayons, no markers.

  • Models and books must be the work of the submitting team. An adult should do any soldering unless a student has had appropriate training and is supervised. Other than that, the students must do all other work.

  • Creative use of found objects and discarded household items is encouraged - these items will be considered "no cost" ($0) when calculating total model cost.

  •  Projects must be the work of the submitting team. An adult can help with printing or binding books. Other than that, the students must do all other work.

  • A complete entry will consist of:

    • A model of a martian community.

    • A "guide" booklet describing the each part of the home/community and how it contributes to building a sustainable martian home/community. (A poster board is encouraged but optional)

    • A presentation skit (less than 5 minutes) performed for the Judges during the contest. Students may use notes. Each member should contribute to the oral presentation.

    • A short illustrated story from EACH team member. Needs a cover that includes a title, neatly drawn and colored picture, author’s name, and community/project name. Books should be at least 8 pages and written or pasted on the blank books provided.

  • Judges will probably ask questions after the skit (less than 5 minutes).

  • Teams may consist of 2-4 students or youths. Individual entries are not allowed.

  •  If a school or youth group holds an internal activity to select entries, the teams should stay intact. No "all-star" teams, please.

  • The decisions of the Judges are final.