Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

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Performance objectives

• Safely use appropriate tools and materials.
• Follow your design plan to build a prototype.
• Note any changes you make from the original plan.
• Describe challenges and how you solved them.
• Work safely and sustainably.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving deeper into the design process, specifically focusing on the "Make" stage where we turn our ideas into tangible, functional products. We've already investigated the need, designed a solution, and planned how to build it. Now, it's time to get our hands dirty and create something! This stage is crucial because it allows us to test our design, identify any flaws, and refine our creation. Think about all the innovations that have improved life in South Africa – from water purification systems to efficient cooking stoves. Each of these started with a design process and culminated in the 'Make' stage where the product was brought to life.

Lesson notes

This week centres around the "Make" stage of the design process. This involves bringing your design to life using appropriate tools and materials, while adhering to your initial design specifications as closely as possible. It is important to remember that the "Make" phase is not just about blindly following your plan; it's about learning, adapting, and problem-solving as you build.

Key Concepts: Prototype: A first, typical or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied. It’s not necessarily the final, polished version, but a working model to test your design.

Materials: The substances from which something is made or can be made. Selection of materials is critical and should be based on factors such as availability, cost, durability, and suitability for the intended purpose.

Tools: Instruments or devices used to carry out a particular function. Understanding the correct and safe use of tools is paramount. This can range from simple hand tools like scissors and rulers to power tools (under supervision, if applicable and safe).

Manufacturing Process: The steps involved in transforming raw materials into a finished product. This can include cutting, shaping, joining, finishing, and assembling.

Quality Control: The process of ensuring that the product meets the required standards and specifications. This involves checking for defects, measuring dimensions, and testing functionality.

Deviation: A departure from the planned design or procedure. It is important to document any deviations and understand why they occurred.

Detailed Explanations: When you are in the "Make" phase, remember to: Prepare your workspace: Ensure you have enough space, good lighting, and a clean, organized area to work in. This will improve efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents. For example, if you're building a bird feeder, clear your table and lay down newspaper to protect the surface.

Gather your materials and tools: Before you start, collect all the necessary materials and tools. This will prevent interruptions and keep you focused. Double-check your design plan to ensure you have everything.

Follow your plan: Refer to your design brief and follow the steps outlined. This will help you stay on track and avoid mistakes.

However, be flexible and adapt your plan if necessary.

Work safely: Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses or gloves. Use tools correctly and follow safety instructions. If you are unsure about how to use a tool, ask for help.

Document your progress: Take notes and photos of your progress. This will help you track your work and identify any problems.

Test and evaluate: As you build, test your product to ensure it functions as intended. Evaluate the quality of your workmanship and identify areas for improvement.

Be patient: Building takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you encounter challenges. Persevere and learn from your mistakes.

Worked example

Example 1: Building a simple bird feeder from recycled materials.

Let's say your design brief specified using a plastic bottle, string, and wooden dowels.

Material Issues: You realize the plastic bottle is too flimsy to support the weight of the birdseed and birds. This is a deviation.

Solution: Reinforce the bottle by wrapping it with duct tape or using a thicker plastic container instead. Document this change in your notes.

Tool Issues: Your scissors are not sharp enough to cut the plastic bottle cleanly.

Solution: Ask for assistance with a craft knife or use a stronger pair of scissors. Remember safe cutting practices.

Assembly Issues: The dowels you are using are too short to create a proper perch.

Solution: Find longer dowels or adjust the design to accommodate the shorter dowels. Perhaps you can create multiple smaller perches instead of one long one.

Example 2: Making a simple toy car from cardboard.

Cutting Difficulties: Cutting perfectly round wheels from thick cardboard is difficult and time-consuming.

Solution: Use a compass and ruler to draw the circles accurately before cutting. You might also consider using a stencil or a pre-cut cardboard circle if available.

Axle Problems: The axles (small dowels or sticks) keep slipping out of the cardboard car body.

Solution: Secure the axles with glue, or create small cardboard flaps to hold them in place. Ensure the axles are properly aligned so the wheels turn smoothly.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are building a simple pencil holder from a tin can and decorative paper. You find that the paper doesn't stick properly to the can with regular glue. What should you do?