Weather-Proof Hats

Objectives 

Students will be able to: 

• evaluate a variety of materials for specific properties 
• understand that different sized pieces of the same material will have identical properties 
• create several different plans to solve a problem 
• evaluate and improve upon a solution 
• defend material choices 

Students will evaluate different materials for the properties of mass, reflectivity, shade (color), transparency, absorption, texture, strength and flexibility. Each property will have four materials to be tested and the results will be recorded as a comparison. Students will reflect upon the use of different materials in every day items. 

Students will be assigned an engineering challenge to design a sturdy hat that will protect the eyes from the sun, the head from sun and rain, and will remain on the head in windy conditions. Hats will be tested to determine if they have met the criteria. A spray bottle will simulate rain, a lamp will simulate sun, and a fan will simulate wind. Hats that fail one or more tests must be improved. 

Wrap-up 

Students will reflect upon the success of their final prototype by justifying their material choices (in writing) and the properties sought by using those materials.