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How data travels from mars
This Computing video supports teachers in guiding the children in understanding how data is transmitted across space, using the Mars Rover as a real-world context.
The video demonstrates how the rover collects and sends information, such as photographs, weather data and rock samples, back to Earth across millions of kilometres. It explores historical communication methods, from smoke signals and Morse code to modern radio waves. It highlights how the Mars Rover uses ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves to send data through space. The lesson builds curiosity and cross-curricular understanding, supporting the children in learning how digital communication works over long distances and preparing them for the next stage, which is investigating how data is stored and organised.
This video is part of the Year 5 Data handling: Mars Rover 1 unit, supporting the children to develop their understanding of data and digital communication.
See more of our Year 5 Computing scheme of work.
