Students will investigate artistic, scientific, and cultural contexts of wind-powered flight and aerial design to build a contextual research portfolio that informs their future kite-copter concept and engineering artist book.

Students will generate and explore multiple artistic directions for their Kite-Copter Prototype, experiment with visual and structural ideas, and articulate a clear preliminary concept statement that connects aerodynamics, artistic intent, and community context. By the end of the phase, each student will produce a documented concept development package including multiple sketches and a written or audio-recorded concept statement to guide design planning.

Students will translate their kite-copter artistic concepts into detailed, intentional design plans that specify form, materials, force interactions, and a production timeline. They will create refined visual plans, justify technical and artistic decisions using aerodynamics vocabulary, and prepare a materials and safety plan that guides the upcoming creation phase.

Students will construct and refine their kite-copter prototypes through sustained studio practice, documenting their creative process with photographs, reflection journal entries, peer critique records, and side-by-side iteration evidence that demonstrates how artistic intent and aerodynamic understanding guide revision.

Students will participate in structured, criteria-based critique of their kite-copter prototypes and engineering artist books, develop a focused revision plan, implement evidence-driven refinements, and document before-and-after comparisons that strengthen alignment between artistic concept, aerodynamics principles, and technical execution.

Students will articulate and document the full creative journey of their Kite-Copter Prototype and Illustrated Engineering Artist Book by drafting, revising, and finalizing a polished artist statement and process portfolio that clearly connect aerodynamic concepts, artistic intent, and design decisions using discipline-specific vocabulary.

Students will finalize their functional kite-copter prototypes and complete a polished Artist-Engineer Documentation Package, demonstrating how artistic intent, aerodynamics knowledge, and iterative design decisions culminate in a unified individual major product ready for exhibition.

Students will collaborate to design and produce the Kite Copter Day: Curated Aerial Innovation Exhibition, integrating their individual kite-copter artworks and artist documentation into a unified public showcase with a collective curatorial statement and individual reflections on the collaborative creative process.