Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Construct a product based on a design, using tools safely.
• Evaluate your product against the original design.
• Use appropriate and resourceful materials.
• Work collaboratively with your group.
• Document your making process with sketches and notes.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving deeper into the design process by focusing on putting our designs into action – making a simple product. This isn't just about crafting something; it's about applying problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical know-how to create solutions that can benefit our communities and improve our lives. In a country like South Africa, where innovation and resourcefulness are vital for development, understanding how to design and make useful products is an invaluable skill. Think about creating solutions to everyday challenges faced in your community, like a better vegetable planter for small spaces or a more efficient way to collect rainwater.

Lesson notes

This week's focus is on the "Making" stage of the design process. This crucial step involves bringing your design to life by physically creating the product. It's where planning turns into reality, and challenges are met head-on with problem-solving. 2.

1. The "Making" Stage: Definition: The "Making" stage is the phase in the design process where the proposed solution (product) is physically constructed or created. It involves selecting appropriate materials, utilizing tools and techniques, and assembling the components according to the design specifications.

Importance: This stage reveals the practical feasibility of the design. It highlights any unforeseen issues, inaccuracies in the design, or material limitations. It provides an opportunity to refine the design and improve the product's functionality and aesthetics. 2.

2. Materials and Tools: Material Selection: Choosing the right materials is vital. Consider factors like cost, availability, durability, strength, ease of use, and environmental impact. In South Africa, consider using readily available and locally sourced materials whenever possible. For example, recycled plastic bottles can be used for making planters, while scrap wood can be used for building simple structures.

Tool Safety: Always prioritize safety when using tools. Learn the correct operating procedures and wear appropriate safety gear (e.g., safety goggles, gloves). Proper tool maintenance is also crucial for safety and efficiency. Always have a responsible adult present when using potentially dangerous tools.

Example: Imagine you're building a small bird feeder from wood. You might select pine wood because it's readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easy to work with. You'll need tools like a saw, hammer, nails (or screws), a ruler/measuring tape, and sandpaper. Before you start, you need to know how to safely use the saw and hammer. Make sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust. 2.

3. Techniques and Processes: Cutting: Sawing wood, cutting fabric, or slicing materials with a knife are common cutting techniques. Precision is key for accurate assembly.

Joining: Joining techniques include gluing, screwing, nailing, welding (if applicable and under supervision), or stitching. The choice depends on the materials and the desired strength of the joint.

Shaping: Bending, molding, or carving materials to achieve the desired form. This can involve using heat or specialized tools.

Finishing: Applying a protective coating (e.g., paint, varnish) or smoothing surfaces (e.g., sanding) to enhance the product's durability and appearance. 2.

4. Working Efficiently: Planning: Before starting, review your design and create a step-by-step plan. This will help you stay organized and avoid mistakes.

Measuring and Marking: Accurate measurements are crucial for precise construction. Use a ruler, measuring tape, and pencil to mark cutting lines and joining points clearly.

Testing: As you build, regularly test the functionality of the product. This allows you to identify and correct any issues early on. 2.

5. Resourceful Material Usage: In South Africa, we need to be mindful of resource limitations and environmental sustainability.

Reduce: Use only the necessary amount of materials.

Reuse: Incorporate recycled materials into your design.

Recycle: Properly dispose of waste materials for recycling.

Example: Instead of buying new wood for your bird feeder, see if you can use scrap wood from a construction site or from old furniture. 2.6 Documentation: Document your progress, especially when you encounter problems. Sketches are a valuable tool for recording your design and any modifications made during the "Making" process. Written notes can capture details about materials used, techniques employed, and challenges encountered. This documentation will be valuable when you move into the "Evaluation" stage. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are building a simple bookshelf from recycled wooden planks. Your design specifies that each shelf should be 60cm long. You have one plank that is 2 meters long. How many shelves can you cut from this plank? Show your calculations.

Solution: Step 1: Convert the plank length to centimeters: 2 meters 100 cm/meter = 200 cm Step 2: Divide the total plank length by the length of each shelf: 200 cm / 60 cm/shelf = 3.33 shelves Answer: You can cut 3 full shelves from the plank. The remaining piece will be too short for a full shelf.

Commentary: This question emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements and efficient material usage. It also introduces the practical constraint of material availability and the need to consider waste.

Question 2: While building your bookshelf, you accidentally hammer a nail through the wood, causing it to split. What are two possible solutions to fix this problem?

Solution: Solution 1: Remove the nail carefully using pliers. Fill the split with wood glue and clamp the wood together until the glue dries.