Quest: Surfboard

Week 1: Surfboard Design and Materials Selection

Objective: Students will design their custom surfboard and learn about the materials needed for the construction process.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on the history and evolution of surfboard design, including various types of surfboards (e.g., shortboards, longboards, fish, etc.).
   • Read about the different materials used in surfboard construction, including foam blanks, fiberglass, resin, and fin systems.
   • Learn about how board shape affects performance, including how the outline, rocker, and rail shapes influence speed, control, and maneuverability.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Creative: Design your surfboard using a drawing or 3D modeling tool, including the shape, size, and features such as the nose, tail, and rocker.
   • Hands-On: Visit a local surfboard shop or online retailer to explore different types of materials (foam blanks, fiberglass, resin, etc.) and choose the materials you'll use for your surfboard.
   • Research: Research the best surfboard design for your intended use (e.g., big waves, small waves, beginner, advanced) and choose a design that matches your goals.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on how different materials and shapes affect the performance of a surfboard and why you chose the design and materials for your board.

---

Week 2: Shaping the Surfboard

Objective: Students will begin shaping their surfboards, cutting the foam blank and refining the board's contours, rocker, and rails.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on the process of shaping a surfboard, including techniques for cutting the foam blank, creating rocker curves, and shaping the rails.
   • Read about the tools used in surfboard shaping (e.g., shaping stands, hot wire foam cutters, surform tools, rasps) and safety precautions.
   • Learn about the different types of rails (e.g., hard, soft, and pinched) and how they affect board performance.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Begin shaping your foam blank using the appropriate tools. Start by cutting the outline of the board, then refine the rocker and the rail shapes.
   • Creative: Create a list or visual guide showing the stages of shaping a surfboard, from blank cutting to the final shaping process.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on the shaping process, what challenges you encountered, and how the shape of the board is starting to take form.

---

Week 3: Glassing, Sanding, and Finishing the Surfboard

Objective: Students will glass the surfboard using fiberglass cloth and resin, sand the surface smooth, and add final details to complete the surfboard.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on the process of fiberglassing a surfboard, including how to lay fiberglass cloth, apply resin, and avoid common mistakes like air bubbles.
   • Read about different types of resin (e.g., polyester, epoxy) and how to choose the right one for your board.
   • Learn about sanding techniques to smooth out the board, remove excess resin, and achieve a glossy finish.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Lay fiberglass cloth over the shaped foam board, apply resin, and allow it to cure. Once the resin is dry, sand the board to smooth out the surface and prepare it for finishing.
   • Creative: Design custom artwork or decals for your surfboard and apply them once the glassing and sanding are complete.
   • Hands-On: Install the fin system or other accessories (e.g., leash plug) to finish your surfboard.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on the glassing and sanding process, how the board is now taking shape, and the challenges of achieving a smooth, professional finish.

---

Final Project: Surfboard Presentation and Test

Objective: Students will complete their surfboards and present their work, demonstrating the craftsmanship and thought behind the design.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Review the surfboard-making process from design to final finishing.
   • Research how to care for and maintain a surfboard to keep it in good condition over time.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Complete any final touches on the surfboard, ensuring it is ready for use (e.g., final sanding, polishing, and adding any desired graphics or stickers).
   • Creative: Create a presentation that includes your design concept, challenges faced during the build, and the final product. You can also include a video of the board in action if possible.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on the entire surfboard-making process, including design choices, material selection, shaping, glassing, and finishing. Discuss what you learned and how you might approach making a surfboard differently next time.

---

Final Presentation:

• Present your finished surfboard to the class or community. Share your design, the materials used, the shaping process, and the final results.
• If possible, demonstrate the board in use or provide details on how it performs based on your design intentions.

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Engagement in activities and exploration throughout the quest.
• Completion of the surfboard, including shaping, glassing, and finishing.
• Reflection on design, challenges faced, and learning from the process.

This three-week Choice Quest focuses on the hands-on process of creating a surfboard, from initial design and material selection to shaping, glassing, and final finishing. It encourages creativity, craftsmanship, and practical skills that lead to the production of a functional and personalized surfboard.