Helmet Creation: Crafting Skills from Scratch

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Helmet Creation: Crafting Skills from Scratch

Caleb Vazquez

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to empower you to design and construct a helmet from scratch, utilizing welding and engineering skills. By collaborating with teachers experienced in makerspaces and engineering, you'll gain hands-on experience and learn valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. This project not only challenges you to create a tangible product but also encourages reflection and critical thinking as you assess your progress and make improvements. Ultimately, the project aims to provide you with a sense of accomplishment and the ability to bring your creative ideas to life.

Learning goals

In this project, you will learn the essential skills of welding and building as you create a helmet from scratch. By engaging with teachers involved in makers or engineering, you will gain hands-on experience and guidance throughout the process. You will explore the materials and tools necessary for your project, understanding the intricacies of design and construction. This journey will not only teach you how to physically assemble a helmet but also enhance your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. As you progress, you will reflect on your methods, assess your work by showcasing the project, and receive feedback for potential improvements. Ultimately, this project will empower you to transform an idea into a tangible product, equipping you with a new and valuable skill set.

Standards

NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics, applying math skills to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.

Products

In this project, you will create a fully functional helmet from scratch, utilizing welding and engineering skills. By the end of the project, you will have not only a tangible product to showcase but also a newfound ability to design and construct using hands-on techniques. This helmet project will serve as a testament to your ability to transform raw materials into a finished product, highlighting your growth in technical skills and creative problem-solving.

Launch

Kick off your helmet project by visiting a local makerspace or engineering lab where you can observe professionals at work. This experience will give you a firsthand look at the tools and techniques you will be using, such as welding. Take notes and ask questions to gain insights into the skills and materials needed for your project. This launch will inspire you and provide a solid foundation as you embark on creating your helmet from scratch.

Exhibition

At the culmination of your project, you will have the opportunity to showcase your helmet creation at an exhibition held with the teachers who guided you throughout the process. This exhibition will serve as a platform for you to present your project to an audience, including fellow students, teachers, and community members. You will explain the journey of your project, from the initial concept to the final product, highlighting the skills you acquired, such as welding and building techniques. This is your chance to demonstrate not only the physical outcome but also the knowledge and experience gained. Use this exhibition to receive feedback, celebrate your achievements, and inspire others with your newfound skills and creativity.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction and Overview - Attend an orientation session to understand the project scope and objectives. Discuss the purpose, goals, and standards related to the helmet project.	Activity 2: Visit a Makerspace/Engineering Lab - Spend a day observing professionals at work. Take notes on welding techniques, tools, and materials. Engage with professionals by asking questions to gain insights.	Activity 3: Research and Material Exploration - Conduct research on different types of materials suitable for helmet construction. Explore the properties of metals and other materials that can be used in the project.	Activity 4: Tool Familiarization and Safety Training - Participate in a workshop to familiarize yourself with the tools you will be using, such as welding equipment. Complete safety training to ensure proper handling and usage of tools.	Activity 5: Preliminary Design Sketches - Begin sketching initial design ideas for your helmet. Consider functionality, aesthetics, and safety features. Share sketches with peers or mentors for initial feedback.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Observation Report - Compile a report based on your visit to the makerspace or engineering lab, detailing the tools, techniques, and materials observed. 2. Deliverable 2: Material Research Document - Submit a document outlining your research on various materials, including their properties and suitability for helmet construction. 3. Deliverable 3: Design Sketches - Present a set of preliminary design sketches for your helmet, incorporating feedback from peers or mentors.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Finalize Helmet Design - Review feedback from preliminary sketches and make necessary adjustments. Finalize the design for your helmet, incorporating functionality, aesthetics, and safety features.	Activity 2: Material Acquisition - Based on your material research, procure the necessary metals and other materials required for the construction of your helmet. Ensure you have all materials needed for the upcoming construction phase.	Activity 3: Welding Technique Workshop - Attend a hands-on workshop focused on welding techniques specific to helmet construction. Practice welding on sample materials to build confidence and proficiency.	Activity 4: Tool Setup and Workspace Organization - Set up your tools and organize your workspace in preparation for the construction phase. Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and safely.	Activity 5: Construction Planning - Develop a step-by-step plan for constructing your helmet. Outline the sequence of tasks, allocate time for each step, and identify any potential challenges or areas requiring additional research or practice.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Finalized Helmet Design - Submit the finalized design for your helmet, including detailed plans and specifications. 2. Deliverable 2: Material Inventory - Provide a complete inventory of the materials acquired for the project, confirming their suitability and readiness for use. 3. Deliverable 3: Welding Technique Assessment - Submit a brief assessment of your welding practice, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Include photos or videos of your practice sessions, if applicable. 4. Deliverable 4: Construction Plan - Present a comprehensive construction plan that outlines the steps, timeline, and potential challenges in building your helmet.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Begin Helmet Construction - Start constructing your helmet based on the finalized design and construction plan. Focus on the initial stages, such as cutting materials and forming the basic structure.	Activity 2: Welding and Assembly - Utilize welding techniques practiced in the workshop to join the pieces of the helmet. Pay attention to accuracy and precision in assembling the components.	Activity 3: Safety Feature Integration - Incorporate safety features into the helmet design, ensuring they meet the required standards. This may include adding padding, straps, or other protective elements.	Activity 4: Mid-Construction Checkpoint - Conduct a thorough review of the construction progress. Assess the structure for stability and alignment, making adjustments as necessary based on your construction plan.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Present the current progress of your helmet to peers or mentors. Gather feedback on the construction, design, and functionality, and consider suggestions for improvement.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Construction Progress Report - Submit a report detailing the progress made in the construction of your helmet. Include photos and descriptions of the steps completed, along with any challenges encountered. 2. Deliverable 2: Safety Features Documentation - Provide documentation outlining the safety features integrated into the helmet, explaining their purpose and how they contribute to the overall safety of the product. 3. Deliverable 3: Feedback Summary - Compile a summary of the feedback received from peers or mentors, along with your plan for addressing any suggestions or improvements.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Construction and Detailing - Complete the construction of your helmet, focusing on fine-tuning and detailing. Ensure all components are securely assembled and any aesthetic elements are added.	Activity 2: Quality Assurance and Testing - Conduct a thorough quality check of the helmet. Test its durability, fit, and safety features to ensure they meet the required standards. Make any necessary adjustments based on test results.	Activity 3: Finalizing Documentation - Compile all project-related documents, including design plans, material inventories, safety documentation, and feedback summaries. Organize them for presentation at the exhibition.	Activity 4: Exhibition Preparation - Prepare for the exhibition by practicing your presentation. Create a narrative that explains the process, challenges, and learning experiences. Consider incorporating visual aids or demonstrations.	Activity 5: Exhibition Setup - Set up your exhibition space, ensuring your helmet and related materials are displayed effectively. Coordinate with teachers and peers to finalize logistics for the exhibition day.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Helmet - Present a fully constructed and functional helmet, demonstrating the application of welding and engineering skills. 2. Deliverable 2: Quality Assurance Report - Submit a report detailing the testing procedures and outcomes for the helmet, including any adjustments made to improve quality and safety. 3. Deliverable 3: Project Portfolio - Compile a comprehensive portfolio that includes all documentation and reflections on the project. This should showcase your journey from initial concept to final product. 4. Deliverable 4: Exhibition Presentation - Deliver a presentation at the exhibition, effectively communicating the project's purpose, process, and outcomes to an audience.
Preparation