Design a Safer Bicycle Helmet
Source Institutions
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COSI
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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.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
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
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Momentum and Velocity
- Newton's Laws
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
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
