DIY Ukuleles for Oakbrook 7/8

I'm the music teacher at Oakbrook Elementary and we are raising money to buy DIY ukulele kits so that each of the students will have their own personally designed ukulele.  We will be purchasing the kits, supplies to paint their ukes, and supplies and tools to assemble the kits.  

I have wanted to find a way to create an experience in music that is unique and meaningful for the 7th and 8th graders.  They will create their own design for the body of the ukulele and assemble their own instrument.  These instruments will be 100% theirs from design to assembly.  

I want the students to understand the process of how instruments are made as well as take ownership in their own learning.  

The students will be keeping their ukuleles and can reflect on this experience for years to come.