8p4

For this project, I chose to create armor using cardboard because it seemed like an interesting and challenging idea. I wanted to push myself and see how far I could take this unconventional material. Throughout the process, I learned how to customize and repurpose cardboard, discovering new techniques for transforming something so simple into something unique and functional. This hands-on experience opened my eyes to the creativity and problem-solving involved in working with everyday materials.

The 7 standards we focus on in class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project aligns with the "Innovative Designer" standard because we had to think outside the box and develop a solution that was original. The challenge wasn’t just in building the armor but in figuring out how to design it in a way that was both functional and visually interesting. We were tasked with transforming an everyday material—cardboard—into something with purpose and creativity, which pushed me to think critically about design and construction.

One of the biggest challenges I faced during the project was figuring out how to craft each piece of the armor. It wasn’t just about cutting out shapes; I had to think about how to assemble the pieces, ensure they were sturdy, and make sure they fit together. To tackle this, I spent a lot of time brainstorming and researching ideas on my computer, looking for inspiration and solutions to the issues I encountered. Digital tools played a key role in helping me visualize the project before I actually started building.

If I had the chance to redo the project, one change I would make is to work with a different team. Although I learned a lot from my current group, I feel that collaborating with new people could bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. Diverse approaches and viewpoints could potentially lead to even more creative solutions and more effective designs.

Hastings High School offers a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. My project closely ties to the Engineering Design program, as it involved problem-solving, design thinking, and hands-on building. This aligns with the skills emphasized in the Engineering Design CTE program, which prepares students for careers in fields that require both creativity and technical knowledge.

Ultimately, my project connects to careers in engineering design because it involved taking a simple material—cardboard—and turning it into something innovative and practical. This experience helped me develop skills that are directly relevant to the engineering design field, such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to bring a concept to life through design and construction.