Technology and Applied Studies
Year 7 - Digital Technology students have been tasked with creating an obstacle course and then coding a small Tello Drone to fly through. Students have created their own design brief and have had to create a number of solutions to problems that have arisen during their design process. Once students have finished coding their obstacle course, they will take part in drone racing and develop their coding skills further by using Python as a programming language.
Year 7 AGFO students are currently in the process of finishing their Burger Boss project, which entails crafting their personalised interpretation of the classic cheeseburger. They've been engaged in extensive experimentation, exploring a wide array of ingredients and culinary methods in pursuit of the ultimate burger creation.
Year 8have been finalising their bridge designs and are now ready to build them and test how much weight they will hold. Students learned about forces and some famous bridges and engineers. They have designed their own bridges, choosing from a range of truss types. They will use balsa wood and their 1:1 scaled drawing of their bridge for construction in the coming weeks.
Students have also recently showed their creativity in a fun project called "Monster Mania." They designed their own unique monsters, then brought them to life by hand-stitching them with colorful felt. This engaging unit showcased their imagination and developed their fine motor skills, resulting in a collection of monstrous masterpieces!
Year 9 Agriculture students have completed their assessment focusing on Farm Safety by compiling an E-portfolio and a ‘farm skills’ checklist through engaging in a number of practical experiences at the school ag plot. In the coming weeks students will be planting their vegetables for their vegetable production unit. During this unit, students will monitor their vegetable gardens by weeding, fertilising and watering their plants.
In Year 9 Food Technology students have been studying "Food Equity" which focuses on how different groups face unequal access and difficulties obtaining healthy, affordable food options. Students explored how disabilities can present additional challenges in this regard. To help build empathy and understand these obstacles firsthand, we had to cook pancakes while blindfolded - a simulation exercise that made simple kitchen tasks incredibly difficult without sight. It was an eye-opening experience that really drove home the barriers and lack of equity many face when trying to secure nutritious meals, giving me a greater appreciation for the importance of creating more inclusive and equitable food systems."
Year 9 Computing Technology students have been working on understanding Project Management, and learning about the various parts of the project life cycle. They are embarking on building some computers which show us about the various components of information systems: Inputs, Outputs, Control, Process and Storage. At the beginning of this term students successfully completed their first major project; a space invaders game.
Year 9 Timber classes have been hard at work completing their four joint frame and have commenced the design and initial construction of a serving board. Students are using a range of hand and power tools to create a serving board of their own design.
Year 9 Metal classes have worked hard to complete their introductory project - "The Tool Carry". This project allowed students to develop skills and knowledge in marking out, cutting, folding, drilling and riveting sheet metal. The class has developed a culture of teamwork to ensure all students can offer help and advice to other students in the class.
Year 10 Agriculture students are completing their first-hand cropping trial at the College Farm. Students have selected a wide variety of plants and altered one sowing factor to determine the best cultivation process over Term 2. Students are attending to their own crops twice a week, ensuring irrigation is regular and no pests or diseases have crept in. They have also been engaging in researching cropping rotation techniques, macronutrients of fertilisers and sustainable agriculture.
Year 10 Graphics are halfway through their Money-Box 3D printed CAD project. This has required students to consider how a modern day money box could be designed, produced, evaluated and used by a Primary school aged child.
Year 10 Food Technology Food for Specific Needs unit fosters student understanding of the diverse dietary requirements within society and the impact of food choices on individual performance. Hands-on activities solidify this learning through sensory evaluation of various food items, including baby food, gluten-free options, and alternative milk varieties.
Students also engage in recipe exploration, delving into dishes such as, buckwheat pancakes and char-grilled beef salad. This focus on dietary needs empowers students to make informed dietary choices for themselves and cater to the needs of others within their communities.
Year 10 Timber classes have completed their side table project and have now commenced the design of their choice cabinet project. This will require students to demonstrate all of the skills they have learnt throughout Year 9. This project will be ongoing until early Term 4.
Year 10 IST students have been continuing their studies of robotics and automated systems. Students have been working with Arduino, a combination of a programmable circuit board (known as a microcontroller) and a piece of software (known as an Integrated Development Environment) that allows them to write and upload code to the board. Their assessment required them to develop a flashing light display using their Arduino boards.
Year 10 Metal students have developed an appreciation for accurate and quality work that is produced to the standard required in the drawings. Most components have been made, and now the fabrication process will include oxy cutting, MIG welding, sandblasting and spray painting.
Year 11 Design and Technology students have embarked on a journey of design exploration and innovation. They have been challenged to identify real-world problems and develop solutions through their design projects. They will now create a Minor Design Project and document the process as a portfolio.
Year 12 Design and Technology have commenced their design project of interest. Ideas have included: Hydro Generator, AFL guild Glove, Filipino Food, Wagga Redevelopments, TV Cabinet and a Fly Fishing Net. These designs will be showcased in the coming weeks.
Students in Year 12 Agriculture have completed their plant production trial which focused on the effect of planting density of wheat. After conducting this trial, students were required to write a scientific report about their findings.
Later this Term, students will commence a farm product unit, focusing on beef and its importance in the Riverina.
Mr Andrew Geurtsen | TAS KLA Leader
