Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe the stages: planning, construction, testing, improving.
• Design a simple product to solve a problem.
• Build a model of your design.
• Test your model and find ways to make it better.
• Share your design ideas.

Lesson summary

Processing is a very important part of our daily lives in South Africa. From the mielie meal that we use to make pap, to the packaging that keeps our food fresh, everything around us has gone through some kind of processing. Understanding how things are designed and made helps us appreciate the hard work and ingenuity that goes into the products we use every day. It also allows us to think creatively and come up with our own solutions to problems. This week, we will focus on designing and making tasks, looking at how we can transform raw materials into useful products.

Lesson notes

The design and make process involves a series of steps that help us transform raw materials into useful products.

Let's explore each stage in detail: Planning: This is the first and most crucial step. It involves identifying a problem or need, brainstorming ideas, and creating a detailed plan for your product.

Problem Identification:* What issue are you trying to solve? For example, "How can we build a stronger bird feeder that monkeys can't easily break into?" Brainstorming:* List all possible ideas. Don’t judge them yet. This is the time for creativity! For our bird feeder, maybe ideas include using metal instead of plastic, making it heavier, or designing a cage around it.

Design Sketch:* Draw a picture of your idea. Label the different parts and materials you plan to use. Include measurements if possible.

Materials List:* What will you need? Wood, nails, screws, glue, paint, etc. Consider readily available and affordable materials. For example, recycled plastic bottles or scrap wood. In South Africa, think about using locally sourced materials like bamboo or indigenous wood (if responsibly sourced and approved by an adult).

Construction: This is where you build your designed product according to your plan.

Cutting and Shaping:* Carefully cut the materials to the required sizes and shapes. Use appropriate tools (scissors, saws, knives) with adult supervision. For instance, cutting a plastic bottle to make the base of the bird feeder.

Joining:* Put the different parts together. Use glue, nails, screws, or tape to join the pieces securely. Consider using South African traditional building techniques like weaving if applicable and age-appropriate.

Finishing:* Add any final touches, such as painting, sanding, or varnishing.

Testing: This is where you check if your product works as intended.

Functionality Test:* Does the product do what it's supposed to do? For example, does the bird feeder hold birdseed and allow birds to access it? Does it withstand wind?

Durability Test:* How long will the product last? Will it break easily?

Safety Test:* Is the product safe to use? Are there any sharp edges or loose parts that could cause harm?

For the bird feeder: is it safe for birds? Are there any sharp edges inside?

Improving: This is where you make changes to your product based on the results of your testing.

Identify Weaknesses:* What didn't work well during testing?

Generate Solutions:* How can you fix the weaknesses?

Implement Changes:* Make the necessary changes to your design and construction.

Re-test:* Test the improved product to see if the changes have made a difference. You might go through several cycles of testing and improving.

For the bird feeder: If monkeys can still get in, maybe add a stronger lock or a smoother surface they can't climb.