Stages and Scoring on the GO Competition – Mars Math Expedition Playground

The GO Competition - Mars Math Expedition Playground provides four stages of gameplay, beginning with Stage 1 and progressing through Stage 4. The stages are cumulative, with each new stage adding complexity by opening up additional tasks which can be completed in order to score points. For information about how to select a stage on this Playground, see this article

Each completed task in Mars Math Expedition is worth one point. This article will describe each stage of the Field, and the tasks associated with that stage.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the Mars Math Expedition GO Competition, featuring a virtual robot and block-based coding elements designed for educational purposes in STEM learning.


Stage 1  - Crater and Rover Tasks

In Stage 1, one point can be earned for the following tasks:

  1. Remove a sample from a crater.
  2. Move the Rover out of the crater.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the 'GO Competition – Mars Math Expedition' section, featuring a block-based coding environment designed for teaching coding concepts through virtual robotics.

Select the Pick Up a Sample Example Project in VEXcode VR to see how to remove a sample from a crater to earn one point.

To learn more about using Example Projects in the Mars Math Expedition Playground, see this article.


Stage 2 - Lab Scoring

In Stage 2, one point can be earned for all Stage 1 tasks, in addition to the following tasks:

  1. Move a sample to the Lab Tile.
  2. Place a sample on top of the Lab.
  3. Place the sample onto its matching colored square.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR interface showcasing the GO Competition – Mars Math Expedition, featuring a virtual robot and block-based coding options for programming tasks related to STEM education.

Select the Moving Samples Example Project in VEXcode VR to see a project that earns three points - one for removing the sample from the crater, one for moving the sample to the Lab Tile, and one for placing the sample on top of the Lab.


Stage 3 - Solar Panel, Landing Site and Rocket Scoring

In Stage 3, one point can be earned for all Stage 1 and 2 tasks, in addition to the following tasks:

  1. Tilt the Solar Panel down.
  2. Clear the debris from the Landing Site.
  3. Place the Helicopter on the Landing Site.
  4. Lift the Rocket Ship upright.
  5. End with the Robot touching the Red Tile.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR interface showcasing the GO Competition – Mars Math Expedition, featuring a virtual robot and coding blocks for programming tasks, designed to enhance STEM learning through interactive coding experiences.

Select the Tilt the Solar Panel Example Project in VEXcode VR to view a project that demonstrates one way of tilting the Solar Panel down. Select the Clear the Landing Site Example project to view a project that shows how to clear the debris from the Landing Site. 


Stage 4 - Fuel Cell Scoring

In Stage 4, one point can be earned for all Stage 1, 2, and 3 tasks, in addition to the following tasks:

  1. Remove a fuel cell from its cradle.
  2. Move a fuel cell to the Rocket Ship.
  3. Move a fuel cell to the Landing Site.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the Mars Math Expedition challenge, featuring a virtual robot and block-based coding elements designed for educational purposes in STEM learning.

Select the Scoring with Fuel Cells Example Project in VEXcode VR to view a project that demonstrates one way of removing a Fuel Cell from its cradle and moving it the Rocket Ship.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface displaying the programming environment for the GO Competition – Mars Math Expedition, featuring block-based coding options and a virtual robot for educational coding activities.

In Stage 4, all of the tasks are available and players can strategize by coding the VR Hero Bot to complete the tasks that will earn them the most points in a one-minute match.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

Last Updated: