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Schemes of Work
QCA

Design and technology at key stage 3    (Year 7)

Unit 07bii: Designing and making for yourself Focus: resistant materials
Section 1: Design and make assignment (DMA)

QCA

Objectives

Children should learn:
  • to design, make and evaluate a prototype before starting a production run, by applying the knowledge, skills and understanding they developed during the product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks

Activities

Outcomes

Children:

Set the pupils a DMA in which they:

  • use prototypes, models or mock-ups in the manufacturing process
  • evaluate and modify their prototypes before starting a production run
  • use a range of manufacturing techniques and hand-tools to cut, shape and form materials safely

This might involve 'setting a scene' in a way that includes discussion of lifestyles and pupils' priorities and values.

Example

This example DMA has been written so it can be copied and given directly to pupils. Further details and contexts can be added, as appropriate.

Puzzle in a box

Many small gifts, games and puzzles are produced to appeal to a particular age group or type of person, eg 'Kinder Eggs' contain a surprise gift for young children inside a chocolate egg. The 'BB Box Company' has asked you to make a box of a maximum size 100mm × 100mm × 100mm. They would also like you to design an interesting gift to fit inside the box. Decorate the box to suit the design of the gift and finish it in a suitable way.

  • identify the particular requirements of the task and the design criteria to be met, and take these into account when putting together a design brief
  • draw upon their understanding of familiar products
  • discuss design ideas with potential users
  • develop a prototype and use it as the basis for drawing up a manufacturing specification
  • present ideas as dimensioned plans and patterns
  • suggest alternative approaches if first attempts fail
  • use CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacture) to ensure consistency and accuracy, where appropriate
  • are aware of the types of things they can do to control risk
  • evaluate their products against the criteria and suggest design improvements

Points to note

Health and safety - during the making process, pupils should learn to recognise hazards, assess risks and take steps to control the risks to themselves and others

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. Design and make assignment (DMA)
2. Product evaluation
3. Product evaluation - 2
4. Product evaluation - 3
5. Product evaluation - 4
6. Product evaluation - 5
7. Focused practical tasks (FPTs)
8. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 2
9. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 3
10. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 4
11. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 5
12. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 6
13. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 7