Design a Sneaker: Object Mass and Product Research
Students in upper elementary/early middle school learn about the engineering basics involved in high-performance footwear by following the design process (online or hands-on) to build prototype sneakers from a variety of materials to meet such design requirements as good traction or deep cushioning. They learn how the sole provides support, cushioning, and traction. There also may be some fashion-based functions, including cool colors or added height.
Lesson Created By: Martha Cyt
Essential Question
Determine the best shoe design for optimal performance?
Grade(s):
- 5
- 6
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Sneakers: From Start to Finish Samuel G. Woods, Gale Zucker (photographer). Book for 3rd to 5th grade readers.
The Making of a Pair of Sneakers. The Science Channel looks at shoe manufacturing from materials to testing. [YouTube 14:00]
The Engineering Behind Shoe Design. A University of Southern California site that illuminates the engineering of everyday things looks at the materials and design constraints, such as gait, in today’s athletic footwear.
How running shoes are made. Article traces history of athletic footwear from ancient Greece to modern times and includes overviews of design, materials, and manufacturing process.
If the Shoe Fits, Design It. Article about a University of Massachusetts, Amherst, mechanical engineering student who designed sneakers. (2011)
Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing Sneakers. Think automobile detailing for high-tops.
Autodesk Sketchbook Pro – Shoe Design. Computer aided design of sports shoe. [YouTube 8:54]
How to Make a Custom Running Shoe. Discovery Education [YouTube 5:00]
How to Create A Casual Sports Shoe in icad 3D+. 3-D computer modeling. [YouTube 6:27]
ConceptKicks. Artistic designs and cool shoes.
The Secret Lab Where Nike Developed the Power-Lacing Shoe of Our Dreams. Wired, October 2016. Includes video with Nike innovator Tiffany Beers explaining HyperAdapt’s design.
Lesson Progression
1. As a class, discuss the following: Think about the characteristics of your shoes. What would you like to be different about them? What would it take to create a sneaker with that new property or component? What materials do you know about that could be used?
2. Divide the class into groups of three or four students each.
Give each group Worksheet B: Design Specifications for the Sneaker to complete.
3. Hand out two copies of Worksheet A: Materials and Properties to each group.
Discuss the properties of each material (springy, soft, rigid, sticky, rough, etc.).
4. Hand out two copies of Worksheet C: Materials and Costs to each group.
Costs are assigned to each item. The designed pair of sneakers must be within budget, limiting options and forcing engineering trade-off decisions.
5. Distribute two fabric bases plus a bag that includes the materials available for construction of the prototype sneakers. Students can cut or shape materials as desired.
6. Once students select the materials that they feel will work best (meet their design criteria) for their prototype sneakers, have them use glue and tape to assemble the prototypes.
7. Allow the prototypes time to dry.
8. Students use Adobe Spark to create an advertisement for their shoe.
OR You can modify this assignment without materials above. Students design a sneaker online.
1. As a class, discuss the following: Think about the characteristics of your shoes. What would you like to be different about them? What would it take to create a sneaker with that new property or component? What materials do you know about that could be used?
2. Divide the class into groups of three or four students each.
Give each group Worksheet B: Design Specifications for the Sneaker to complete.
3. Hand out two copies of Worksheet A: Materials and Properties to each group.
Discuss the properties of each material (springy, soft, rigid, sticky, rough, etc.).
4. Hand out two copies of Worksheet C: Materials and Costs to each group.
Costs are assigned to each item. The designed pair of sneakers must be within budget, limiting options and forcing engineering trade-off decisions.
5. Have students visit one of the following websites to design their own sneakers:
5 Sites That Let You Design Your Own Sneakers
6. Students use Adobe Spark to create an advertisement for their shoe.
5 Sites That Let You Design Your Own Sneakers
Sites That Let You Design Your Own Sneakers
View ResourceNikeid
Nike, the world’s leading company in athletic footwear, has its own custom shoe program called NIKEiD where you can customize your sneakers by color and choose your sport. You can customize anything from basketball shoes to track spikes, performance options, and colors to get the perfect kick-ass sneakers. Men, in particular, have more than 100 styles to get creative with.
View ResourceYourReebok
Reebok’s YourReebok, which has about 30 options for sneaker design. While the program has a smaller range of customizable shapes to choose from compared to Nike, it doesn’t mean your creative design skills are limited. Quite the opposite, because practically every part of the shoe is up for interpretation — from the sole to the laces and the logo. Custom orders usually take three to five weeks to create and deliver.
View ResourceStandards
- Science and Engineering Practices
- 3 Use critical thinking skills to justify mathematical reasoning and critique the reasoning of others.
- Science and Engineering Practices
Assessments
See resource section.