Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7
Design process: investigate, design and make a simple product – Week 10 focus
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Design process: investigate, design and make a simple product – Week 10 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Technology
Class: Grade 7
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 10
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we delve deeper into the design process by investigating, designing, and making a simple product. Technology plays a vital role in improving our lives, from the tools we use at home to the infrastructure that supports our communities. Understanding the design process enables us to identify problems, generate creative solutions, and bring those solutions to life. In South Africa, this is particularly important as we strive to develop innovative solutions to address challenges related to poverty, infrastructure, and access to basic resources. Learning to design and create allows you to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for our country.
The design process is a systematic approach to problem-solving. It involves several stages, each building upon the previous one. For this week's activity, we are focusing on investigating, designing, and making a simple product. We will specifically look at making a simple pencil holder from recycled materials. Stages of the Design Process (focused on this week): Investigate: This stage involves identifying a need or problem. What problem are you trying to solve? Who is the target audience? What are the constraints (limitations) such as budget, time, materials? What similar products already exist? In the case of our pencil holder, the problem might be that your pencils are always scattered around, making it difficult to find the right one.
Example: Imagine you are constantly losing your stationery at home. You notice that pencils, pens, and rulers are scattered across your desk and the dining room table. This is the problem.
Design: This stage involves generating possible solutions to the identified problem. Brainstorm different ideas. Sketch your ideas. Consider different materials and construction methods. Evaluate each idea based on its feasibility, cost, aesthetics, and functionality. Finally, select the best design to develop further. The design must include a detailed drawing (orthographic projection is helpful), a list of materials needed and step by step instructions on how to assemble it.
Example: Possible solutions for the stationery problem could be: a plastic container, a wooden box, or a holder made from recycled materials. Let's choose to design and make a pencil holder using recycled materials, specifically empty tin cans and cardboard.
We then sketch several designs: one with a circular base and three cans, another with a rectangular base and four cans, etc.
Make: This stage involves bringing your design to life. Gather the necessary materials and tools. Follow your design plan carefully. Measure accurately and cut precisely. Use appropriate joining techniques (e.g., glue, tape, screws). Pay attention to safety at all times.
Example: We select the rectangular base and four can design. We gather four empty tin cans (cleaned), a piece of cardboard (bigger than the base), glue (Pritt or similar), paint, and a ruler and marker.
The steps would then be: Measure the base needed to hold the four cans. Cut the cardboard to the correct size. Glue the cans to the cardboard base in a rectangular pattern. Allow the glue to dry. Paint the cardboard and the cans to make them aesthetically pleasing.
Important Considerations: Materials: When selecting materials, consider their availability, cost, durability, and environmental impact. In South Africa, using recycled materials is often a practical and sustainable choice.
Tools: Choose the right tools for the job. Always use tools safely and under supervision if necessary.
Accuracy: Accurate measurements and precise cutting are essential for a well-made product.
Joining Techniques: Select appropriate joining techniques based on the materials being used and the desired strength of the joint. (Glue, tape, tying)
Safety: Always prioritize safety when working with tools and materials. Wear appropriate safety gear (e.g., safety glasses, gloves). Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question 1: Identify a problem related to food storage in a typical South African household and suggest a simple product that could address this problem, using recycled materials where possible.
Solution: Problem: Storing leftover food safely and hygienically, particularly in households where access to refrigeration may be limited or unreliable due to load shedding.
Proposed Product: A reusable food cover made from recycled plastic bags (cleaned and sanitized). The plastic bags can be cut and ironed together to create a sheet. The sheet is then sewn or glued into a cone or dome shape. An elastic band can be sewn into the rim of the cover to ensure a snug fit over bowls or plates.
Question 2: Sketch two different designs for a simple bird feeder that can be hung in a school garden. Describe the materials you would use for each design and explain why you chose those materials.
Solution: Design 1: A hanging feeder made from a recycled plastic bottle.
Sketch: (Learner would sketch a plastic bottle with holes cut in the sides and perches inserted below the holes.)
Materials: Recycled plastic bottle, string, wooden dowels (for perches), scissors, glue.
Reasoning: Plastic bottles are readily available, durable, and weather-resistant. The wooden dowels provide a comfortable perch for birds.
Design 2: A hanging feeder made from a coconut shell.
Sketch: (Learner would sketch a halved coconut shell with holes drilled in the top for hanging and a platform attached to the bottom.)
Materials: Coconut shell (halved and cleaned), string, small piece of wood (for the platform), drill, glue.
Reasoning: Coconut shells are natural, biodegradable, and provide a sheltered feeding space for birds.