High School Grade
Project
5 weeks
1-pager
Define
Define
You will synthesize information from your initial research and feedback from community partners to develop a clear problem statement addressing the balance between a strong frame, adequate power, and safety for your go-kart, documenting your findings and thoughts in your journal while preparing a visual report comparing gas and electric options.
Days 6 - 10
Prototype
Prototype
You will collaborate with community partners at your dad's welding shop to construct a functional go-kart prototype, documenting your problem-solving process, testing different power systems, and refining your design based on feedback from teachers and peers, while keeping a weekly journal to reflect on challenges and learning progress.
Days 18 - 26
135 min over capacity (540 min available across 9 days)
Test/Present
Test/Present
You will test your go-kart by inviting peers, teachers, and community partners for feedback, conduct a live demonstration, record their insights, and showcase your learning journey through a video and journal presentation, making revisions for optimal performance and safety.
Days 27 - 35
75 min over capacity (540 min available across 9 days)
Empathize
Days 1–5
Define
Days 6–10
Ideate
Days 11–17
Prototype
Days 18–26
Test/Present
Days 27–35
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
20
Day 1
Empathize
Empathize by Interviewing and Observing Go-Karts
Empathize by Interviewing and Observing Go-Karts
21
Day 2
Synthesize Insights and Start Research Artifacts
Synthesize Insights and Start Research Artifacts
22
Day 3
Document User Research Artifacts
Document User Research Artifacts
23
Day 4
Problem Synthesis with Community Input
Problem Synthesis with Community Input
24
Day 5
Frame Topology Sketching and Safety Planning
Frame Topology Sketching and Safety Planning
28
Day 7
Safety Constraints and Kickoff Discussion
Safety Constraints and Kickoff Discussion
29
Day 8
Powertrain Research Gas vs Electric
Powertrain Research Gas vs Electric
30
Day 9
Frame and Chassis Concept Sketching
Frame and Chassis Concept Sketching
31
Day 10
Concept Gallery Feedback and Revision
Concept Gallery Feedback and Revision
August 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
4
Day 12
Go-Kart Concept Brainstorm
Go-Kart Concept Brainstorm
5
Day 13
Safety-First Go-Kart Frame Concept Review
Safety-First Go-Kart Frame Concept Review
6
Day 14
Gas vs Electric Power System Analysis
Gas vs Electric Power System Analysis
7
Day 15
Frame Drafting and Materials Planning
Frame Drafting and Materials Planning
10
Day 16
Hands-On Welding Session with Mentors
Hands-On Welding Session with Mentors
11
Day 17
Weekly Reflection Journal and Portfolio Update
Weekly Reflection Journal and Portfolio Update
13
Day 19
Power System Overview: Electric vs Gas
Power System Overview: Electric vs Gas
14
Day 20
Frame Measurement and Alignment Practice
Frame Measurement and Alignment Practice
17
Day 21
Subsystem Integration Planning
Subsystem Integration Planning
18
Day 22
Safety Manual Draft and Reflection
Safety Manual Draft and Reflection
19
Day 23
Testing Feedback Report
Testing Feedback Report
20
Day 24
Set Up Testing Protocols and Data Sheets
Set Up Testing Protocols and Data Sheets
21
Day 25
Safety Review and Hazard Mapping
Safety Review and Hazard Mapping
24
Day 26
Gas vs Electric Powertrain Performance Lab
Gas vs Electric Powertrain Performance Lab
26
Day 28
Portfolio Video Journal and Reflection
Portfolio Video Journal and Reflection
27
Day 29
Safety and Build Readiness Check
Safety and Build Readiness Check
28
Day 30
Power System Comparison Lab
Power System Comparison Lab
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
31
Day 31
Frame Integrity and Weight Distribution
Frame Integrity and Weight Distribution
1
Day 32
Performance Metrics Workshop
Performance Metrics Workshop
2
Day 33
Portfolio Update and Stakeholder Feedback
Portfolio Update and Stakeholder Feedback
3
Day 34
Gather Feedback from Go-Kart Demo Panel
Gather Feedback from Go-Kart Demo Panel
4
Day 35
Go-Kart Final Showcase
Go-Kart Final Showcase