Each week we will share with you what our Year 7, 8 and 9 students are learning in our focus departments this term, below you will find the topics for DT and Engineering:
Year 7 - DT
This rotation, Year 7 are studying about environmental cars. They will be researching, designing, and making their own wooden vehicle using a series of skills and processes. So far this term, students have looked at health and safety, accuracy, types of materials, and equipment tools and machinery.
Questions:
1. What does hardwood and softwood have in common?
2. What happens to the waste/ offcuts of hardwood and softwood?
3. Why is the grain closer together in hardwood, than softwood?
Year 8 - DT
This rotation, Year 8 will be studying about DT skills and processes. They will be researching, designing, and making their own wooden box. So far this term, students have looked at health and safety, properties of materials, different equipment tools and shaping of timbers.
1. What did James Dyson invent?
2. What do we wear when using a machine?
3. Name a strong wood joint?
Year 9 - DT
This rotation, Year 9 will be studying about the science and Maths element within Design and Technology. They will be researching, designing, and making their own bird shelter. So far this term, students have looked at sources and origins of materials, questioned what designers do/ ask when discussing with a client and trial and tested card modelling.
1. What are the main differences between Zaha Hadid and Heatherwick Studios?
2. What must you use when using a craft knife?
3. Why do we use MM instead of CM in Design and Technology?
Year 7 - Engineering
This rotation, Year 7 are studying about an acrylic holder. They will be researching, designing, and making their own acrylic ‘storage’ holder. So far this term, students have looked at health and safety, recycling, tools, and equipment.
1. Why do we need storage?
2. What is the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plasters?
3. Where does plastic come from?
Year 8 - Engineering
This rotation, Year 8 will be studying about Engineering skills and processes. They will be researching, designing, and making their own metal coat hooks. So far this term, students have looked at health and safety, sources and origins of materials, adhesives, and types of finishes.
1. Why do we need to look at an engineer’s drawing?
2. What type of saw do we use to cut metal?
3. Why do we use a centre punch before drilling a hole in the metal?
Year 9 - Engineering
This term, year 9 students have been designing and making an automata. Through a range of processes and skills such as making the structure and individual components. So far this term, students have looked at ‘movements’, joining methods and creating their own automata.
1. Why is it important to have a sturdy structure?
2. What are the 4 main types of motion?
3. What is a follower?
