Set the pupils a DMA that requires them to bring together their knowledge, skills and understanding of computer control and mechanical components to meet a specific and appropriate purpose. This assignment could be used to develop group skills and team work.
Example
This example DMA has been written so it can be copied and given directly to pupils. Further details or contexts can be added, as appropriate.
Safe and sound
Security systems that improve commercial, domestic and personal security are becoming increasingly widespread and sophisticated, depending more and more on electronic and computer control. The use of such systems also raises questions about social issues,
eg personal privacy.
Design an effective computer-controlled system to improve security in a domestic, personal or commercial setting,
eg to prevent theft, to detect tampering or to control access. Think carefully about how the system could distinguish between legitimate and unauthorised users. |
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- research the background to the setting, survey existing security solutions and use the information they collect to inform their own designing
- put together a design specification
- discuss, as a group, how they can use output devices and sensors in their design ideas
- make preliminary models to explore and test their thinking
- experiment with alternative designs and model mechanisms to establish correct working before they decide on their final proposal
- propose appropriate control systems and sub-systems
- prepare an ordered sequence for managing the task
- evaluate their product by comparing it with design criteria at chosen stages in its development
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