Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ENGINEERING DESIGN
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ENGINEERING DESIGN
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 11
Grade code: 1.3.1.LI.4
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.3.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.3.1.LI.4
Theme: SYSTEMS DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
Subtheme: ENGINEERING DESIGN
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.
In Ghana, we are surrounded by challenges that require clever engineering solutions – from managing plastic waste in our cities to helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses. Before an engineer can build a new machine or design a better system, they must first deeply understand the problem they are trying to solve. Rushing to a solution without proper research is like trying to build a house without a foundation. This lesson focuses on a critical first step in that research process: formulating clear research objectives. These objectives act as a roadmap, guiding the entire design process to ensure the final solution is effective, relevant, and truly solves the problem.
A. The Engineering Design Process: Where Do Objectives Fit?
The Engineering Design Process is a cycle of steps engineers use to find solutions. A simple version looks like this: Identify the Problem: What is the challenge? Research the Problem: Gather information. ** To find out the amount of waste. "What kind of waste?" -> To see the types of food waste. "What are solutions?" -> To look at composting. Apply the SMART test to refine them: Make them specific, measurable, etc. Objective 1: To quantify the average daily volume and weight of food waste generated by the dining hall over a one-week period. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Objective 2: To categorise the collected food waste into compostable and non-compostable materials to determine the percentage suitable for composting. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant). Objective 3: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a small-scale composting system on the school compound by analysing available space, cost of materials, and labour requirements. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant).
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Instructions: As a class, let's work through these examples together. I will present the problem, and you will help me formulate and refine the objectives.