ACTDEK031: Investigate the ways in which products, services and environments evolve locally, regionally and globally and how competing factors including social, ethical and sustainability considerations are prioritised in the development of technologies and designed solutions for preferred futures.
ACTDEP036: Generate, develop, test and communicate design ideas, plans and processes for audiences using appropriate technical terms and technologies including graphical representation techniques.
ACTDEP039: Use project management processes when working individually and collaboratively to coordinate production of designed solutions.
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as metals in societal expression, to demonstrate respect for community values and functional art.
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore metals in society for expression and function to understand cultural roles.
Metals have played a pivotal role in human society since ancient times, serving both as tools for expression and as essential elements for function. In terms of expression, metals enable the creation of artistic works that convey deep emotions, cultural stories, and personal identities. For instance, bronze sculptures from ancient civilizations like the Greeks or the Africans depict gods, heroes, and daily life, allowing artists to express complex ideas through durable forms. These creations not only beautify spaces but also preserve historical narratives for future generations. In contemporary society, metals continue to be used in jewelry, where gold and silver symbolize love, wealth, and status, reflecting personal expression and cultural traditions.
On the functional side, metals provide strength, conductivity, and versatility that support everyday life and technological advancements. Steel, for example, forms the backbone of buildings, bridges, and vehicles, ensuring safety and durability in infrastructure. Copper wires conduct electricity efficiently, powering homes and devices, while aluminum is prized for its lightweight properties in aerospace and packaging. Without these functional applications, modern society would struggle to maintain its pace of innovation and convenience. Metals also enable medical tools like surgical instruments and implants, saving lives and improving health outcomes.
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, metals hold profound significance, blending expression and function seamlessly. Although pre-colonial communities primarily used stone and wood, the introduction of metals through trade and colonization transformed traditional practices. For example, iron tools enhanced hunting and gathering efficiency, while decorative metal elements adorned ceremonial objects like boomerangs or spears, embedding stories of Dreamtime and ancestral connections. These items were not merely utilitarian but served as expressions of spiritual beliefs and community identity, passed down through generations. Today, Indigenous artists incorporate metals into contemporary art, bridging traditional knowledge with modern techniques to highlight cultural resilience.
The intersection of expression and function in metals also raises important considerations for sustainability. Mining and processing metals can cause environmental degradation, prompting societies to adopt recycling and ethical sourcing practices. For instance, recycled aluminum requires less energy than new production, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining functional integrity. Artists and designers now use upcycled metals to create expressive pieces that advocate for environmental awareness, blending aesthetics with responsibility. In education, Year 8 students explore these aspects through design projects, learning to balance creativity and practicality while respecting cultural and environmental contexts.
Furthermore, metals influence social structures by facilitating trade and economy. Precious metals like gold have historically driven exploration and conflict, while industrial metals fuel economic growth. In art, metals allow for intricate designs that express societal values, such as liberty in the Statue of Liberty's copper skin. Functionally, they enable advances in renewable energy, like silver in solar panels. By understanding these dual roles, students appreciate how metals shape society's past, present, and future, fostering innovation with ethical considerations. (Word count: 468)
Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a sentence):