Technology and Applied Studies
Year 7
Term 1 has seen Year 7 begin their introduction to Technology at Mater Dei. Classes have begun working towards completing projects in the specific areas of Agriculture/Food Technologies and Digital Technologies.
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DigTech students have been given a task to create a product using Illustrator and the laser cutter, while the AgFo groups are making Safety Videos about the Ag Plot and Food Technology area using WeVideo.
Year 8
Year 8 are applying themselves well and have harnessed their natural enthusiasm and desire to learn to focus on learning the skills and knowledge required in each specialist area. This has seen them using the Inquiry Process to design and make a Laser Light using timber and the laser cutter, use e-textiles to create a Soft Toy with lights, learn about forces to design a catapult to perform a number of tasks and research how engineering can enhance and improve people's lives.
Year 9
Timber -
Classes have been working on a joint exercise task. This activity has allowed students to use a number of Timber marking, measuring and cutting tools. Students will be moving on to the construction of a serving tray/chopping board next term.
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Food -
Students have investigated the influence of other food cultures in Australia. Their task this term is to incorporate Bush Food into an International Cuisine.
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Metal -
Students are completing their sheet metal toolbox and will look to finish this early next term before beginning the construction of their campfire BBQ.
Agriculture -
Students have been busy on the farm and in the kitchen making the most out of the remaining summer vegetables. Freshly harvested tomatoes, basil and garlic made for a delicious pizza sauce which was enjoyed by all. Additionally, the students have been busy in the paddock planting Autumn vegetables and taking advantage of our new greenhouse.
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Information Software Technology -
Students have been looking at the ways in which data is collected and analysed. They have also discussed issues surrounding the privacy of personal information and ethical use of data. Students have already covered the basics of building a database, including how to run queries and create forms, and they will build their own database as part of their assessment for the term.
Graphics -
Students have been enjoying the challenge of isometric and pictorial graphical drawings of components. Students have been using a number of drawing techniques demonstrating a high standard of work.
Year 10
Timber -
Year 10 Timber are completing their clock portfolios ready for the final production in the workshop. Nearly all students have their designs glued together and are beginning to move into the graphical design stages on the laser cutter.
Food -
How food consumption affects our bodies and activity levels has been the focus for Year 10. Practical tasks have included Pasta Bolognese, Popcorn Chicken and Bliss Balls.
Agriculture -
Students have been exploring the world of farm management and the various factors responsible for making smart decisions on farms. This requires students to assess all animals on the farm and establishing a plan for their management for the year.
Design and Technology -
Students have finished their personal logo development and have now begun on their robotics unit. They will be designing a robot for their assessment and will soon begin to construct and evaluate prototypes.
Metal -
Students have nearly finished the marking, measure and hand tool components for their motorbike quick lifts. The next stage is the assembly using plasma cutting, OXY and MIG welding. They will have the opportunity to design and produce a project of their own choice for their next task.
Stage 6
Design and Technology -
The Year 11 Design and Technology class have been looking closely at what it means to be a designer and the factors that affect design. We are fortunate to have Mr Pat Morley from Ken Morley Smash Repairs as a current client. Mr Morley has given students a design brief for a promotional giveaway gadget for his business. Students are now are in the research and design phase and look forward to sharing some prototypes with Mr Morley in the near future.
Year 12 are developing their Major Design projects. This year there is a wide variety of projects being managed. From a Wind Tunnel, Makeup Bed, Electronic Mouse Trap, Flood Gate and some redevelopments to the Wagga surrounds the projects are taking on some big challenges to solve some real world problems.
Agriculture -
Year 11 returned from a farm tour at The Rock where students visited Marrocka Emu Farm. As part of the excursion, students were able to get hands-on with the unique farming enterprise and sample some of the skincare products produced from the farm. For the assessment this term, students can select this farm or a property of their choice and produce a report on how the enterprise is managed.
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Year 12 have just completed their plant production component of the HSC course and are currently conducting a trial to test the effect of different light intensities on plant growth. They also have their second assessment task due which focuses on animal welfare issues in Australia.
Ms Nicole Lane | TAS KLA Leader