Technologies

Technology

The Victorian Curriculum has been fully implemented in Technology subjects this year and we are eager to see continued improvement in student outcomes and project quality throughout 2017. Students in VMG Engineering and Design have produced a variety of sustainable solutions to the Design Brief in their student workbooks. Outdoor heating for a minimum of four adults is the desired result and as seen in the pictures a number of different designs have been produced. Evaluating the final product has been done in two strategic places, at the design option stage (design sketches) and during the final construction. This has allowed the students to make any alterations to their designs should problems arise due to tooling, materials or timeline issues. This subject provides students with a great framework for Design and Technology Metal in VCE. A great result from students in Engineering and Design.

(A reminder to all students participating in Metal, Wood, Home economics and textiles subjects to ENSURE they have the correct PPE for their respective classes. It is our responsibility as teachers in these subject areas to enforce the current OH&S policy.)

Will Allen produced a great example of an outdoor heater using a small LPG cylinder. Will used the TIG welder and Plasma Cutter to construct his heater which resulted in a very well presented project. Utilising a couple of trampoline springs to semi insulate the handles was an innovative idea.

Jye Clarke identified that a reuse and recycle theme would satisfy the Design Brief for his project. He was able to use worn out brake drums from his father’s Kenworth as well as some small diameter auger tubing for the flue. Leaving the heater un-painted being was a constraint so it would reflect the rustic theme of their shed. An old Stillson that he found in the paddock making a nice handle for the lid.

Brandon Resul reused an old beer keg for the body of his heater. He used the plasma cutter to cut the door and vents then welded the hinges using the MIG welder. To satisfy the constraint in the brief that “the design must not emit hot coals or embers) Brandon placed a spark arrestor system in the cut outs on the door. The wooden handle gave the finished product a nice touch.

Food Technology

This term Miss Olney’s Choice of Flavours class completed a research task Herbs and Spices. As well as researching their chosen herb or spice they had to select a dish that it was showcased in and produce it. Some of the herbs/spices on display below are; Chilli, Cinnamon, Vanilla and Paprika. 

Textiles

Students from Creative Textiles have been asked to participate in a Design Competition organized by Design Technology Teachers Association as part of Design & Technology Week, 2016.

Students were asked to create a Mood Board that reflects either the 1950’s or 1960’s.

Two students were selected to present their work in Melbourne and although they did not win the competition, they were highly commended for their efforts. 

Well done to each student who participated in the Design Challenge.

Brenda O'Brien, Textiles

Basic Wood 

This year we have introduced a new project to Basic Wood. The Folding Table provides students with the experience of producing a product from workshop plans. It complements the existing projects of the hinged lid Storage Solution and the small Foot Stool which are a Design and Technology based approach. These projects are designed by the students following a modified design process. This allows them to respond to a small brief that outlines the requirements, materials provided and the need or purpose of the product. By focusing on this process and giving the students increased ownership of what their project can look like we have seen a variety of different examples in each class. This is the Victorian Curriculum at work.

Grade 6 Orientation

Mrs Kelton and Mr Exton introduced our 2017 Year 7 students to the Technology subject today. Students started off by completing their introductory safety test then produced a small project. Some very good examples of both projects were produced. Well done Year 7s.

Students pictured below are busy constructing a Pipe Flute, many hours of enjoyment to follow and Mrs Kelton’s class can be seen completing their safety test and constructing there Noughts and Crosses Game.