KindergartenInformationalRI.K.8122 words

A Hard Shell, a Smooth Slide

Learn how a bicycle helmet's hard, smooth shell protects the foam inside and helps the helmet slide.

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A bike helmet has a hard shell on the outside. Inside is thick foam with tiny air spaces. The shell and foam work as a team to help protect your head.

The heading on this page says, “Why a Hard Shell?”

Foam can get scraped. The shell covers the foam to help keep it from getting damaged.

A bump can press on one small spot. The shell helps spread that push over more of the foam. More foam can then help soften the bump.

The shell is smooth, too. It can slide on the ground instead of catching on it.

A picture shows the two parts. Its caption says, “Hard shell outside. Thick foam inside.” Both parts help make a safer helmet.