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.

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.

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.

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

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.