Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 7

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe the parts of a system (Input, Process, Output).
• Classify different types of structures (Frame, Shell, Solid).
• Describe methods of processing materials.
• Apply the design process to solve a simple problem.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving back into the foundational concepts we explored in Grade 7 Technology. Technology surrounds us every day in South Africa – from the phones we use to connect with family, to the transport systems that get us to school, to the electricity that powers our homes. Understanding the basics of technology helps us to become informed citizens, capable of solving everyday problems, creating innovative solutions, and contributing to our communities. This revision week ensures we have a solid foundation for tackling more complex topics later in the year. We will be particularly focusing on systems and control, structures, and processing.

Lesson notes

2.1 Systems and Control A system is a group of parts that work together to perform a specific function. In technology, understanding systems is crucial because most devices and processes are complex systems. A system typically has three main components: Input: This is what goes into the system. It could be energy, materials, data, or information. Think of pressing the power button on a kettle. The input is your action and the electrical energy flowing into the kettle.

Process: This is what the system does to the input. It's the action or actions performed to transform the input. In the kettle example, the process is the heating element converting electrical energy into heat energy, boiling the water.

Output: This is what comes out of the system as a result of the process. In the kettle example, the output is hot water.