Year 7 Design Technology Plan

Overview
The Year 7 scheme of work has been developed to enable students tofurther their capability in Design and Technology. Students are taughtto recognise and explore needs and wants that can be met through Designand Technology activity, develop ideas about how these might be met anddevelop products that meet those needs. They will develop a repertoireof skills and knowledge including:

  • Designing.
  • Making.
  • Knowledge of materials and components.
  • Knowledge of quality and Health and Safety.
  • Knowledge of systems.

Teaching is based around four different projects.

Project 1. Key fob or torch.

Through this project, the following are developed:

  • Basic sketching and presentation skills.
  • Meeting simple constraints.
  • Use of basic hand processes and cutting tools.
  • Manipulation (forming and reforming) of metal and plastic materials - acrylic and polystyrene.
  • Understanding of very simple electronic circuits and components.
  • Safe working practise.
  • Evaluation of outcome.

Project 2. Moisture sensor.

This builds upon project one, further developing Designing and Making skills and adds:

  • Simple problem solving.
  • Safe use of machine tools - fretsaw, drilling and sanding machines.
  • Knowledge of modern adhesives.
  • Application of surface finish.
  • Use of basic semiconductor electronic components.
  • Use of soldering equipment and the construction of circuits.
  • Understanding of manufactured materials - plywood.

Project 3. Pneumatic novelty.

This continues the development of Designing and Making skills and adds:

  • Understanding of Systems.
  • Knowledge of pneumatics / hydraulics - transmission and amplification of force.
  • Knowledge of the working characteristics of a further manufactured material - MDF.

Project 4.

This is a short graphics project that produces paper based results,rather than 3D objects. Its aim is to ensure students have a goodworking knowledge of the basic features of the Computer Aided Drawingsoftware we use (Techsoft 2D), and how to output drawings to a printeror plotter.