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
Day 1
Empathize by Interviewing and Observing Go-Karts
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 2
Synthesize Insights and Start Research Artifacts
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 3
Document User Research Artifacts
Deliverable
75m
Day 4
Problem Synthesis with Community Input
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 5
Frame Topology Sketching and Safety Planning
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Define
Days 6–10
Day 6
Frame Go-Kart Problem
Deliverable
90m
Day 7
Safety Constraints and Kickoff Discussion
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 8
Powertrain Research Gas vs Electric
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 9
Frame and Chassis Concept Sketching
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 10
Concept Gallery Feedback and Revision
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Ideate
Days 11–17
Day 11
Prototype Plan and Safety Manual Outline
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 12
Go-Kart Concept Brainstorm
Deliverable
60m
Day 13
Safety-First Go-Kart Frame Concept Review
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 14
Gas vs Electric Power System Analysis
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 15
Frame Drafting and Materials Planning
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 16
Hands-On Welding Session with Mentors
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 17
Weekly Reflection Journal and Portfolio Update
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Prototype
Days 18–26
Day 18
Shop Safety, Roles, and Setup
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 19
Power System Overview: Electric vs Gas
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 20
Frame Measurement and Alignment Practice
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 21
Subsystem Integration Planning
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 22
Safety Manual Draft and Reflection
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 23
Testing Feedback Report
Deliverable
90m
Day 24
Set Up Testing Protocols and Data Sheets
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 25
Safety Review and Hazard Mapping
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 26
Gas vs Electric Powertrain Performance Lab
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Test/Present
Days 27–35
Day 27
Demo Prep and Peer Feedback Design
Knowledge/Skill Building
50m
Day 28
Portfolio Video Journal and Reflection
Knowledge/Skill Building
40m
Day 29
Safety and Build Readiness Check
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 30
Power System Comparison Lab
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 31
Frame Integrity and Weight Distribution
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 32
Performance Metrics Workshop
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 33
Portfolio Update and Stakeholder Feedback
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 34
Gather Feedback from Go-Kart Demo Panel
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 35
Go-Kart Final Showcase
Assessment
April 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
13
Day 1
Empathize
Empathize by Interviewing and Observing Go-Karts
14
Day 2
Synthesize Insights and Start Research Artifacts
15
Day 3
Document User Research Artifacts
16
Day 4
Problem Synthesis with Community Input
17
Day 5
Frame Topology Sketching and Safety Planning
20
Day 6
Define
Frame Go-Kart Problem
21
Day 7
Safety Constraints and Kickoff Discussion
22
Day 8
Powertrain Research Gas vs Electric
23
Day 9
Frame and Chassis Concept Sketching
24
Day 10
Concept Gallery Feedback and Revision
27
Day 11
Ideate
Prototype Plan and Safety Manual Outline
28
Day 12
Go-Kart Concept Brainstorm
29
Day 13
Safety-First Go-Kart Frame Concept Review
30
Day 14
Gas vs Electric Power System Analysis
1
Day 15
Frame Drafting and Materials Planning
May 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
4
Day 16
Hands-On Welding Session with Mentors
5
Day 17
Weekly Reflection Journal and Portfolio Update
6
Day 18
Prototype
Shop Safety, Roles, and Setup
7
Day 19
Power System Overview: Electric vs Gas
8
Day 20
Frame Measurement and Alignment Practice
11
Day 21
Subsystem Integration Planning
12
Day 22
Safety Manual Draft and Reflection
13
Day 23
Testing Feedback Report
14
Day 24
Set Up Testing Protocols and Data Sheets
15
Day 25
Safety Review and Hazard Mapping
18
Day 26
Gas vs Electric Powertrain Performance Lab
19
Day 27
Test/Present
Demo Prep and Peer Feedback Design
20
Day 28
Portfolio Video Journal and Reflection
21
Day 29
Safety and Build Readiness Check
22
Day 30
Power System Comparison Lab
25
Day 31
Frame Integrity and Weight Distribution
26
Day 32
Performance Metrics Workshop
27
Day 33
Portfolio Update and Stakeholder Feedback
28
Day 34
Gather Feedback from Go-Kart Demo Panel
29
Day 35
Go-Kart Final Showcase