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.
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 skills and knowledge required in each specialist area. This has seen them using the Inquiry Process to design and make a Laser Light using 3mm ply on the laser cutter and create frames in the Timber workshop. A Textiles Toy monster Project has enabled students to design and learn how to stitch. Students have also learnt about forces to design a catapult to throw a projectile and document its distance, accuracy and power.
YEAR 9
TIMBER - Classes have been working on a four timber joint exercise task. This activity has allowed students to use a number of Timber marking, measuring and cutting tools and techniques. Students will be moving on to the construction of a serving tray/chopping board next term.
FOOD - Students have investigated the influence of an array of food cultures in Australia. Their task this term is to incorporate Bush Food into an International Cuisine. They have cooked Wattleseed Anzac biscuits and Lemon Myrtle Cheesecakes.
METAL - Students are beginning 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 classroom. In the classroom the focus for the start of the term has been the fundamentals of agriculture including WHS and animal welfare. Out in the field, the students have planted a range of vegetables to begin their vegetable production unit.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - Students are currently developing their understanding of the design process as they work towards finishing their personal logo. Students will utilise their CAD drawings of their logo and produce it in various forms using the laser cutter and vinyl cutter.
YEAR 10
INFORMATION SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY - Students have been looking at the ways in which Robotics and Artificial Intelligence have developed over recent years. They have discussed the ethical issues surrounding self-driving cars and the use of robotic systems to replace humans in industry. Students have had access to the Fable modular robotics system during lessons and will be moving onto further hands-on work with Arduino boards in the coming weeks. This will form the basis for their assessment in Term 2.
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.
TIMBER - Year 10 Timber students are completing a side table project. This project includes a number of complex steps which students have been keen to work on. They are currently tapering the legs and cutting domino joints. This project will test the students ability to work in a team and problem solve.
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. Their assessment task has the students planning a diet for a dietary disorder.
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 identify the resources available to the farm and create an annual plan for sustainable land management. The animals on the farm will then be examined and a yearly plan will be constructed to best suit the land.
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. Students are also currently working on an Australian design case study, where they are required to explore a well known Australian design and the various processes involved in its development.
Year 12 are developing their Major Design projects. This year there is a wide variety of projects being managed. From exploring guttering systems and dam evaporation to sustainable produce packaging and some redevelopments of the Wagga surrounds; the projects are taking on some big challenges to solve some real world problems.
Mr Andrew Geurtsen | TAS / VET KLA Leader