Year 9 Digital TechnologiesUnits 1 and 2
ASSESSMENT ITEM 2

VEX IQ Gen 2 Space Rover Engineering Challenge

In this assessment, you will design, build, test and improve a VEX IQ Gen 2 space rover prototype. Your goal is to show an engineering process: define the challenge, design a solution, build a prototype, test it, identify problems, improve it and justify your decisions using evidence.

Final due date
11:30pm Tuesday 16 June 2026
GROUP WORK

Rover prototype

Build the rover in a group of no more than two students. Your rover must be demonstrated in class.

INDIVIDUAL WORK

Engineering Portfolio Folder

Your portfolio is individual handwritten assessment evidence. It must show your own thinking, testing, changes and contribution.

LESSON EVIDENCE

Engineering entries

You will have 10 assignment lessons. Your final portfolio must include at least 8 completed engineering entries unless sick/away with prior permission.

Use the support pages

This page gives you the overview. Use the support pages when you need the details for each part of the assessment.

BUILD COMPONENT

Rover Prototype

Use this page for rover requirements, object interaction, testing, demonstration expectations and final photos.

Open Rover Prototype page
WRITTEN COMPONENT 1

Starter Pack

Use this page for project setup, research, criteria, design sketches, required tests, evaluation and reflection.

Open Starter Pack page
WRITTEN COMPONENT 2

Engineering Entries

Use this page for what to write each lesson, entry requirements, teacher feedback/sign-off and strong examples.

Open Engineering Entries page

What you must produce

1. Rover prototype A functioning VEX IQ Gen 2 space rover built by a group of no more than two students.
2. Engineering Portfolio Folder An individual handwritten folder containing your Starter Pack pages, engineering entry sheets, testing pages, final design evidence, evaluation and reflection.
3. Engineering entries At least 8 completed engineering entries from the 10 assignment lessons unless sick/away with prior permission. Complete an entry for every assignment lesson you attend.
4. Rover demonstration A class demonstration of your rover completing the required movement and object-interaction tasks.
5. Final photos Final rover photos uploaded through QLearn: front view, side view and top/rear view.
6. References A reference list for any external sources used.

Checkpoint rhythm

Lesson 1
Set up folder and begin Starter Pack.
End Lesson 4
At least 3 signed entries.
End Lesson 6
Prototype progress and at least 5 signed entries.
End Lesson 8
Testing underway and at least 7 signed entries.
Final due
11:30pm Tuesday 16 June 2026.

Before you begin

  • Read the official task sheet.
  • Label your manila folder clearly.
  • Keep your Starter Pack at the front of your folder.
  • Store engineering entry sheets in order as they are completed.
  • Write engineering entries during class as the work happens.

Authenticity reminder

Your Engineering Portfolio Folder must be your own handwritten in-class record. GenAI must not be used to create fake engineering entries, invent testing results, replace your own design thinking, or describe work that did not happen.

Quick final checklist
  • My Engineering Portfolio Folder is complete and in order.
  • I have at least 8 completed engineering entries unless sick/away with prior permission.
  • My engineering entries are handwritten and include teacher feedback/sign-off.
  • All required tests are completed and recorded in the Starter Pack.
  • The object interaction test covers collect, push, lift, carry and transport.
  • My final evaluation uses evidence from all required tests.
  • My final rover photos are uploaded through QLearn.
  • I have included references for any external sources used.
Year 9 Digital Technologies • Assessment Item 2 • VEX IQ Gen 2 Space Rover Engineering Challenge