Year 7 Design and Technologies: Engineering Principles Basics

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Learning Objectives Lesson Activities Spelling Bank All Readings Sentences Take the Quiz

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Understand basic engineering principles including force, motion, and energy in systems.
  • Explain how these principles are used in simple mechanical and electromechanical systems.
  • Apply these principles in designing a simple system, considering cultural and sustainable aspects.

This lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum for Year 7 Design and Technologies, focusing on the use of motion, force and energy to manipulate and control electromechanical and mechanical systems (ACTDEK031). It incorporates elements from the Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework by exploring Indigenous technologies like the woomera for lever principles. It is designed to take approximately 60 minutes, including reading, activities, and a quiz.

Lesson Activities

  1. Step 1: Read for Understanding and Answer all Questions (20 minutes):
  2. Step 2: In small groups, brainstorm a simple mechanical system using levers or pulleys, inspired by Indigenous tools like the woomera (spear thrower). Use sketches and label with spelling words like "force" and "motion." (10 minutes)
  3. Step 3: Hands-On: Build a quick prototype using classroom supplies. Evaluate it against criteria like efficiency and safety. (20 minutes)
  4. Step 4: Presentation of the Design and Construction. (10 minutes)

Spelling Bank (20 Words for Use in Spelling Activities)

Here is a bank of 20 words related to Engineering Principles. Click on each word to sound out the syllables in each word.

  1. force
  2. motion
  3. energy
  4. lever
  5. pulley
  6. gear
  7. friction
  8. torque
  9. velocity
  10. acceleration
  11. mechanics
  12. system
  13. electromechanical
  14. control
  15. manipulate
  16. transfer
  17. transform
  18. efficiency
  19. sustainability
  20. innovation

All Readings

Reading 1: Introduction to Force

Force is a push or pull that can change the motion of an object. In engineering, forces are essential in designing systems like bridges or machines. For example, in Aboriginal spear throwers (woomera), the force applied increases the speed of the spear, demonstrating lever principles for efficiency. Understanding force helps engineers create safe, sustainable designs that respect cultural knowledge and environmental factors.

1. Force is a push or _____.

2. In engineering, forces are essential in designing _____.

3. The woomera demonstrates lever principles for _____.

Reading 2: Motion in Systems

Motion refers to the movement of objects, influenced by forces like friction and gravity. In mechanical systems, motion is controlled using gears, pulleys, and levers to achieve desired outcomes. Aboriginal boomerangs utilize principles of aerodynamics and motion to return to the thrower, showcasing innovative use of velocity and torque. Engineers must consider motion to ensure systems are efficient and sustainable, integrating cultural insights for better design.

1. Motion is influenced by forces like friction and _____.

2. Boomerangs utilize principles of aerodynamics and _____.

3. Engineers consider motion to ensure systems are _____.

Reading 3: Energy in Engineering

Energy is the ability to do work, and in engineering, it is transferred and transformed within systems like electromechanical devices. Simple machines use energy to manipulate motion and force, increasing efficiency. Indigenous fire-making tools demonstrate energy transfer through friction to create heat, aligning with sustainable practices. Engineers focus on energy to design systems that are environmentally friendly and culturally sensitive.

1. Energy is transferred and transformed within _____.

2. Indigenous fire-making tools use friction to create _____.

3. Engineers focus on energy for environmentally _____ designs.

Sentences Using Spelling Words

  1. Force causes motion in a system.
  2. Energy can be transferred using a lever.
  3. Pulleys reduce friction in mechanical designs.
  4. Gears control torque and velocity.
  5. Acceleration depends on applied force.
  6. Electromechanical systems manipulate energy efficiently.
  7. Sustainability is key in engineering innovation.
  8. Transform energy to achieve better efficiency.
  9. Mechanics study motion and forces.
  10. Cultural tools like woomera use lever principles.

Quiz

1. What is force?

Movement of objects
Push or pull on an object
Ability to do work

2. Which tool uses lever principles?

Boomerang
Woomera
Pulley

3. What does motion refer to?

Push or pull
Change in position
Energy transfer

4. Energy is the ability to do what?

Move objects
Work
Apply force

5. Friction is a type of what?

Energy
Force
Motion

6. What does a pulley help reduce?

Effort
Velocity
Torque

7. Acceleration is change in?

Force
Energy
Velocity over time

8. Electromechanical systems combine what?

Motion and energy
Electricity and mechanics
Force and friction

9. Sustainability in engineering means?

Maintaining without depleting resources
Increasing speed
Reducing force

10. Innovation involves introducing what?

New methods or ideas
Old systems
Friction
WORD WALLS

WORD WALLS

Drag words to their matching meanings in each group. Meanings are mixed up!

Group 1 (Basic Principles)

Group 2 (Systems)

Group 3 (Properties)

Group 4 (Design Aspects)

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On Country Creations
Engineering Principles Basics
Sustainability and Ethical Design
Year 7 Curriculum D&T
Curriculum Framework D& T with Cultural Standards Framework
revised
Technologies in Society Lesson 1
Online Resources Lesson Planning
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Oregami
Safety in the Workshop
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On Country Creations
Engineering Principles Basics
Sustainability and Ethical Design
Year 7 Curriculum D&T
Curriculum Framework D& T with Cultural Standards Framework
revised
Technologies in Society Lesson 1
Online Resources Lesson Planning
Laser Files
Oregami
Safety in the Workshop
Maths
Materials Design and Technology Videos and Lessons
Projects and Tools
Metalwork
Voc Projects
ENAC
Laser Projects Information
Papermaking
Instructables
CAD Based Lessons
About
Services
Tinkercad Links
Gallery
Book a Consultation
Engineering Principles Basics
Sustainability and Ethical Design
Year 7 Curriculum D&T
Curriculum Framework D& T with Cultural Standards Framework
revised
Technologies in Society Lesson 1
Online Resources Lesson Planning
Laser Files
Oregami
Safety in the Workshop
Maths
Materials Design and Technology Videos and Lessons
Projects and Tools
Metalwork
Voc Projects
ENAC
Laser Projects Information
Papermaking
Instructables
CAD Based Lessons
About
Services
Tinkercad Links
Gallery
Book a Consultation

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