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.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Select appropriate materials and tools for a project.
• Safely use basic tools to construct a product.
• Apply techniques for joining, shaping, and finishing.
• Evaluate the finished product against the design.
• Identify areas for improvement.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving deeper into the design process by putting our investigative skills to the test and beginning the exciting phase of making a simple product. We'll be building on the planning and ideation from previous weeks and focusing on transforming our design into a tangible reality. This is crucial because understanding the design process empowers you to identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient South Africa. Imagine designing a better water filter for a rural community or a more efficient solar cooker! This week, you will be implementing the design phase of the design process, including materials, and tools.

Lesson notes

This week focuses on the MAKE phase of the Design Process: MAKE: This involves the actual construction or building of your chosen product.

Materials Selection: This is a critical step.

You need to choose materials that are: Appropriate for the Function: Will the material withstand the intended use? For example, if you're making a water filter, you wouldn't use a material that dissolves in water.

Accessible: Can you easily obtain the materials locally? Are they affordable? Consider using recycled or readily available materials if possible. Think about materials readily accessible in South Africa like wood, plastic bottles, cardboard, wire, and fabrics.

Safe: Are the materials safe to work with? Do they require special precautions?

Sustainable: Are the materials environmentally friendly? Can they be recycled or reused? Think about using recycled plastic bottles, wood from sustainable sources, or natural fibers.

Tools and Equipment: Understanding the tools you will use is just as important as the materials you select.

Hand Tools: These are typically powered by hand (e.g., saws, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, measuring tapes, rulers, files, sandpaper).

Power Tools: These are powered by electricity (e.g., drills, sanders). These tools are for demonstration purposes only and not for students to use in grade

7. Safety Precautions: Always prioritize safety when using any tool. Wear appropriate safety gear (e.g., safety glasses, gloves). Understand how to use the tool correctly before you start. Supervise tool use.

Joining Techniques: How will you put the materials together?

Adhesives: Glue, tape. Choose the appropriate adhesive for the materials you're using.

Mechanical Fasteners: Screws, nails, bolts. These provide a strong, permanent connection.

Interlocking: Creating joints that fit together without fasteners.

Examples: dove-tail joints, mortise and tenon joints (usually in woodwork).

Sewing: Using thread to join fabric or other flexible materials.

Welding (Demonstration Only): Joining metal by melting the edges together.

Shaping and Finishing: This is how you refine your product to achieve the desired form and function.

Cutting: Removing material to create the desired shape.

Shaping: Bending, molding, or forming the material.

Sanding: Smoothing surfaces to remove imperfections.

Painting/Finishing: Applying a protective coating or decorative finish.