Crash Cushion Quest: Materials Unleashed!

8th Grade Project 2 weeks

Crash Cushion Quest: Materials Unleashed!

Chris Roberts

8-LS3-1

8-ESS3-2

8-PS1-3

Making art

Strategic planning

+ 1 more

1-pager

Purpose

Students will explore the intersection of material science and real-world problem solving by designing protective gear that minimizes impact force during collisions. Through hands-on experimentation and collaboration with community partners, students will apply scientific principles to create functional prototypes using everyday materials. This project fosters creativity, strategic planning, and resource management as students develop solutions to enhance safety in sports and other activities.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of how everyday materials can be used to design protective devices that minimize impact forces during collisions. They will apply principles of material science and engineering to create prototypes, analyze their effectiveness, and iterate on designs based on peer and professional feedback. The project will enhance skills in problem-solving, strategic planning, and resource management, while fostering artistic expression through the creation and presentation of wearable protective gear.

Standards

[Kentucky] 8-LS3-1 - Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
[Kentucky] 8-ESS3-2 - Analyze and interpret data to forecast future catastrophic events to inform the development of technologies to mitigate the effects of natural hazards.
[Kentucky] 8-PS1-3 - Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.

Competencies

Artistic Expression - Making art (FK.AC.1.b)
Problem Solving - Strategic planning (OT.PS.2.d)
Pursuing Goals - Resource management (LL.SM.2.a)

Products

Students will create wearable protective gear prototypes, such as knee or elbow pads, using easily accessible household materials. Throughout the project, they will iteratively refine their designs based on feedback from peers and a local sports equipment manufacturer. By the end, students will present their prototypes' impact-reducing capabilities through interactive demonstrations at the 'Collision Carnival,' showcasing their understanding of material properties and engineering principles.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Crash Course' workshop where students engage in hands-on experiments to explore how various everyday materials absorb impact. Set up stations with different materials, such as foam, bubble wrap, and cardboard, allowing students to drop weights and measure the impact force reduction. Facilitate discussions around the observed differences in material performance, sparking curiosity and setting the foundation for their design process. This immersive launch will inspire students to think creatively about their own protective gear prototypes.

Exhibition

Students will organize a 'Collision Carnival,' transforming the school gymnasium into a dynamic showcase of their innovative protective gear prototypes. Each student group will set up an interactive booth where they will demonstrate the impact-reducing capabilities of their designs, inviting peers, parents, and community members to engage with the experiments. Attendees will have the opportunity to test the prototypes, learn about the science behind material impact absorption, and provide feedback. This engaging event will not only highlight students' creativity and problem-solving skills but also foster community involvement and appreciation for student-led innovation.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Crash Course Workshop - Engage students in hands-on experiments to explore how various everyday materials absorb impact, setting up stations with foam, bubble wrap, and cardboard to drop weights and measure impact force reduction. (45 min)	Material Comparison - Facilitate a student-led discussion to compare the structures and compositions of the materials tested, focusing on similarities that might affect their function in reducing peak force. (20 min) Design Brainstorm - Conduct a collaborative session where students brainstorm ideas for protective gear prototypes using everyday materials, applying principles from the material comparison. (25 min)	Prototype Planning - Guide students in strategic planning sessions to outline their protective gear designs, emphasizing resource management and problem-solving skills. (45 min)	Prototype Construction - Students begin constructing their wearable protective gear prototypes, iterating on designs using feedback from peers and initial tests. (45 min)	Community Partner Feedback - Host a virtual session with a local sports equipment manufacturer to provide professional insights and feedback on students' prototype designs, focusing on practical applications and improvements. (30 min) Critique and Revision - Set up a 'Feedback Wall' where students post questions and progress updates, inviting classmates to provide suggestions for improvement. (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Initial material experiment data and observations 2. Sketches of prototype designs 3. Feedback notes from community partner session 4. Initial prototype of protective gear
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the 'Crash Course' workshop (foam, bubble wrap, cardboard, rulers, weights, stopwatches) 2. Prepare a list of additional household materials for students to explore 3. Organize a virtual or in-person meeting with a local sports equipment manufacturer 4. Set up a 'Feedback Wall' in the classroom for ongoing peer input 5. Provide art supplies for sketching prototype designs

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Activities	Prototype Testing - Conduct a series of impact tests on the protective gear prototypes using weighted pendulums to measure force absorption and identify areas for improvement. (30 min) Data Analysis Workshop - Analyze test results and discuss the effectiveness of different materials in reducing impact force, using graphs and charts to visualize data. (15 min)	Design Revision Session - Revise prototypes based on test data and peer feedback, focusing on enhancing material choice and structural design for optimal impact reduction. (45 min)	Artistic Enhancement - Integrate artistic components into prototypes, such as painting or decorating, to enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality. (20 min) Reflection and Peer Review - Facilitate a session where students present their revised prototypes to peers for additional feedback and reflect on the design process. (25 min)	Pitch Preparation - Develop and rehearse presentations for the 'Shark Tank'-style event, focusing on clearly communicating the design process, testing data, and impact-reducing features. (25 min) Feedback Wall Updates - Encourage students to update the 'Feedback Wall' with new insights, questions, and progress for collaborative problem-solving. (20 min)	Shark Tank Presentation - Host the event where students pitch their protective gear prototypes to the local sports equipment manufacturer, receiving professional feedback on design and functionality. (30 min) Final Prototype Adjustments - Make any necessary final adjustments to prototypes based on the feedback received during the Shark Tank presentations. (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Refined protective gear prototype ready for presentation. 2. Visual or physical model explaining impact reduction. 3. Presentation pitch for 'Shark Tank' event.
Preparation	1. Ensure all necessary materials for prototype refinement and testing are available, including various household materials like foam, bubble wrap, and cardboard. 2. Set up testing stations for impact tests, including measurement tools like force sensors. 3. Provide access to digital tools or materials for creating visual models. 4. Arrange logistics for the 'Shark Tank' event, including space, equipment, and communication with the sports equipment manufacturer. 5. Prepare guidelines and templates for students' presentations and peer review.