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

• Follow a design plan to construct a simple product.
• Safely use tools and equipment.
• Test the product against design specifications.
• Evaluate the success of the finished product.
• Reflect on the design process and challenges.

Lesson summary

This week, we will continue our exploration of the design process by focusing on creating a simple product. We began by investigating problems, brainstorming solutions, and planning our designs. Now, we'll move into the making and testing phase of our chosen project. In South Africa, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills are highly valued, whether you're fixing a leaky tap at home, creating a garden irrigation system in a water-scarce region, or developing a new app to address a social need. This design process will equip you with the practical skills and innovative mindset to contribute meaningfully to your community and the economy.

Lesson notes

This week's focus is on the making and testing phases of the design process. These phases are crucial for transforming your ideas into a tangible reality and ensuring your product meets its intended purpose.

Making (Construction/Fabrication): This stage involves bringing your design to life. It's about transforming your plan (the drawings and specifications from previous weeks) into a physical object. Key considerations during the making phase include: Material Selection: You've already chosen your materials, but now you need to ensure you use them efficiently and responsibly. Think about waste reduction. If you are using wood, consider using offcuts for smaller parts.

Tool Selection and Safety: Different projects require different tools. A bird feeder will require different tools than a simple torch. Crucially, you must know how to use each tool safely. If you're using a saw, ensure you have a secure workbench and use appropriate safety glasses. If using glue, ensure adequate ventilation. Never use a tool you're not comfortable or trained with. Always ask for help from a teacher or responsible adult.

Following the Plan: Stick to your design plan as closely as possible. Deviations can lead to unexpected problems later on. If you do need to make changes, document them and understand why you're making them. This is part of iterative design.

Precision and Accuracy: Aim for accuracy in your measurements and cuts. Even small errors can accumulate and affect the overall functionality of your product.

Joining Techniques: Understand how to join materials together effectively. This could involve gluing, screwing, nailing, soldering, or other techniques. The choice of joining method will depend on the materials and the desired strength and durability of the joint.

Finishing: Consider the finishing touches. This could involve sanding rough edges, painting, varnishing, or applying a protective coating. Finishing improves the appearance and durability of the product.

Testing (Evaluation): Testing is the process of evaluating whether your product meets the original design specifications and performs as intended. It's not about finding flaws; it's about learning and improving your design.

Functionality: Does the product do what it's supposed to do? Does it work correctly? For example, if you designed a water filter, does it effectively remove impurities from the water?

Durability: How long will the product last? Can it withstand normal use and environmental conditions? Subject the product to reasonable stress tests.

Safety: Is the product safe to use? Are there any potential hazards? Check for sharp edges, loose parts, or materials that could cause harm.

Ergonomics: Is the product comfortable and easy to use? Does it fit the user's needs and preferences?

Cost-Effectiveness: Was the product made within the allocated budget? Are the materials and manufacturing processes cost-effective?

Aesthetics: Is the product visually appealing? Does it look professional and well-made?

Worked example

Let's say you are building a simple bird feeder from recycled wood and a plastic bottle.

Making

Example:

Material Preparation: You've gathered your wood scraps and cleaned a plastic bottle. You've also located screws and wood glue.

Tool Selection: You'll need a saw, a drill, a screwdriver, a measuring tape, and sandpaper.

Construction: You carefully measure and cut the wood pieces according to your design plan. You drill pilot holes before screwing the pieces together to prevent the wood from splitting. You use wood glue to strengthen the joints.

Bottle Integration: You cut holes in the plastic bottle to allow birds to access the seeds. You attach the bottle to the wooden frame using screws or glue.

Finishing: You sand any rough edges to prevent injury to birds. You might paint or varnish the wood to protect it from the weather.

Testing

Example:

Functionality: You fill the bottle with birdseed and observe whether birds can easily access the food. You check if the feeder dispenses the seeds properly.

Durability: You leave the feeder outside for a few days and observe whether it can withstand wind and rain. You check if the wooden joints are still strong.

Safety: You inspect the feeder for any sharp edges or loose parts that could harm the birds. You make sure the openings are the right size to prevent birds from getting trapped.

Cost-Effectiveness: You calculate the cost of the materials (screws, glue, paint) and compare it to the cost of buying a commercially made bird feeder.

Example 2: Making a Simple Hand-Powered Water Pump (from readily available materials):