Design, Creativity and Technology Assessment Map - Sample at 4.25
Design, make and evaluate a nerve tester
Context
Students wrote a design brief (including considerations and constraints) to make a product to test people’s nerves. They learnt about circuits, systems components and conductivity. Students used computer software (Crocodile Clips) to develop a simple circuit diagram and test whether the circuit works. They also completed an annotated layout drawing on the computer.
Students then listed sequenced steps and estimated the time for each as part of their production sequence. They included materials/components and tool/machines required to make the product and listed safety considerations. Students produced the nerve tester they designed, referring to their design and list of steps. They used a range of tools and equipment, including some they had not used before, such as a soldering iron. Students then responded to a series of evaluation questions.
Students worked individually on the task and documented the project using a computer presentation software.
This assessment task was teacher-led as students had limited experience in technology and making simple electrical systems.
The elements of the Investigating and designing Level 5 standard addressed by the task are:
(Students) use a variety of drawing and modelling techniques to visualise design ideas and concepts.
Students … use appropriate technical language.
Students understand and logically sequence major stages of production and calculate and list materials/ingredients and quantities needed for production.
(Students) record and communicate their ideas using a variety of media that includes information and communications technology equipment, techniques and procedures.
The elements of the Producing Level 5 standard addressed by the task are:
Students work safely … with a range of tools and equipment, including some which are complex, and manage materials … components and processes to produce products and systems …
The elements of the Analysing and evaluating Level 5 standard addressed by the task are:
Students test and evaluate the performance of their products/systems.
(Students) suggest modifications to improve their products/systems in light of evaluation of their performance, function and appearance.
Sample
The following work sample, and the related Design, Creativity and Technology 4.25 progression point examples, illustrate the kinds of responses that students produce as they progress towards the Level 5 standard.
Slide 1: The nerve tester
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Part 1 – Nerve tester design brief
Slide 2: Design brief for the nerve tester
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Annotation
Investigating and designing – 4.25
- Writes a simple design brief for a nerve tester and includes considerations and constraints.
Part 2 – Producing circuit and layout diagrams
Slide 3: Circuit diagram of the nerve tester produced using Crocodile Clips
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Slide 4: Annotated layout diagram of the nerve tester circuit
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Annotation
Investigating and designing – 4.25
- Uses information and communications technology to produce a circuit diagram to show positioning of the selected systems components including the power source (battery), resistor, light emitting diode (LED) and switch.
- Uses information and communications technology to produce a layout diagram of the nerve tester and labels the wand, LED, copper wire and wood (including dimensions), but does not show the battery or construction details.
Part 3 – Writing a sequenced production plan
Slide 5: Production plan sequence table
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Annotation
Investigating and designing – 4.25
- Lists the main steps to produce the nerve tester and includes for each step in the sequence the materials/components, tools/machines required, safety considerations and time required.
- Uses appropriate technical language including names of tools.
- Underestimates the time needed to carry out most of the steps.
- Does not identify safety considerations for two of the steps and does not mention clamping the wood when drilling or wearing gloves when soldering.
Part 4 – Producing the nerve tester
Slide 6: The nerve tester
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Annotation
Producing – 4.25
- Uses a range of tools and equipment to produce a nerve tester, including two that are more complex – a soldering iron and wire strippers.
- Required assistance in learning new processes such as drilling and soldering.
Part 5 – Evaluating the nerve tester
Slide 7: Part 1 evaluation of the nerve tester
Slide 8: Part 2 evaluation of the nerve tester
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Annotation
Analysing and evaluating – 4.25
- Responds to evaluation questions provided by the teacher to describe the nerve tester, including components and their functions, lists tools and equipment used, new skills developed and self evaluates the different aspects of the production.
- Identifies that greater accuracy was required in ruling the wood but does not explain how this would improve the product.
- Does not explain how well the system works.
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