Cardboard Conquest: Curigated Contstruction

9th Grade Project 4 weeks

Cardboard Conquest: Curigated Contstruction

Chris F

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Content Expertise

Collaboration

Academic Mindset

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Purpose

The overall purpose of the learning experience is to engage students in an immersive exploration of historical craftsmanship through hands-on construction of 1:1 cardboard replicas of armor, connected deeply with historical context and literary sources. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the impact of geography, technology, and culture on armor and tool design. They will assume active roles in collaboration, design, research, and exhibition, thereby honing their communication skills through thoughtful presentations and reflections. This project fosters a stronger academic mindset, enabling students to establish connections between past civilizations and contemporary understandings, enhancing their sense of identity and place within historical narratives.

Learning goals

Students will gain proficiency in constructing 1:1 scale replicas of historical armor using cardboard techniques, while developing presentation skills to articulate the cultural and technological significance of their work. They will deepen their understanding of historical contexts and literary connections, such as those found in Gilgamesh and Beowulf, through research and creative writing. Collaborative efforts will help students enhance their ability to work as a team, engage in shared decision-making, and resolve conflicts, while reflection and critique will enable ongoing improvement and critical self-assessment. Students will learn to effectively communicate their findings during the exhibition, fostering both empathy and academic growth.

Competencies

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Over the course of the project, students will collaboratively construct a life-sized armor replica using cardboard, ensuring historical accuracy in design and detail. They will develop presentations that include explanatory text or oral narratives, highlighting cultural, technological, and environmental influences on the armor's development. These presentations will be showcased during a campus exhibition, visually connecting literary sources such as Gilgamesh and Beowulf to their physical creations. Additionally, students will continuously refine their projects based on peer feedback and criteria established during formative presentations.

Launch

Following exposure to flint knapping, reading Gilgamesh and reading Beowulf students were asked to explore armor and tools across time and spaces.

Exhibition

Invite students' family members and the campus community to an engaging exhibition where students showcase their 1:1 cardboard armor replicas alongside oral or written presentations. Attendees can explore student work through a gallery walk featuring explanatory text or digital presentations on the historical and geographical context of the projects. Additionally, students will connect their armor and tools displays to literary sources such as Gilgamesh and Beowulf through interpretive storytelling and historical analyses, fostering a deeper appreciation of the cultural and technological advancements of past civilizations.

Learning Journey

Empathize

Students will engage in immersive research through examining historical texts like Gilgamesh and Beowulf, analyzing primary and secondary sources about armor and tool-making technologies, and exploring geographical maps to understand the cultural and environmental contexts influencing armor design, while fostering critical thinking and collaboration through group discussions and reflection.

Days 1 - 2

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Define

Students will synthesize their research on historical armor and tools to develop a clear, actionable problem statement for their cardboard replica project, connecting technological and geographical influences to design choices.

Days 3 - 4

Frame Armor Problem Space

Deliverable 60m

Ideate

Students will brainstorm and explore creative possibilities for their armor designs, using historical materials and technological advancements as inspiration, while collaborating with peers to evaluate various approaches and connect their ideas to geographical, cultural, and literary contexts.

Days 5 - 6

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Prototype

Students will construct and test initial cardboard armor prototypes, refining details such as historical accuracy, cultural elements, and structural integrity while collaboratively giving and receiving feedback to ensure each design accurately represents the intended time and place.

Days 7 - 9

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Test/Present

Students will present their completed cardboard armor to community stakeholders, reflecting on their design process, insights connected to historical and literary sources, and receive feedback to enhance their critical understanding and presentation skills.

Days 10 - 12

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Plan

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