Design a Safer Bicycle Helmet

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In this activity, learners design a bicycle helmet. Participants will explore the design of bicycle helmets to gain an appreciation for the role that helmet layers play protecting the head. They will learn about and use the engineering/design process in order to make the best product they can. This is a lengthy activity, possibly best to be spread out over several days.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 sample bicycle helmets
  • EPS (polystyrene) or Styrofoam approx. 10” square
  • Thin hard plastic (e.g. cut the plastic from a 2 liter soda bottle to lay flat)
  • 5 pound weight
  • Scissors
  • Masking Tape

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Sports and Exercise
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009