"Early Years Teacher"
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 5 years teaching and background in childcare
SUMMARY and EVALUATION
Teachers are a valuable resource to share knowledge and experience. This person is is a good resource to help develop technology units for students in the early years, as there are not many resources I have found that relate to technology in the early years.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tradespeople
"Civil Engineer"
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 11 years experience
SUMMARY
Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain roads, bridges, dams, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, transportation, harbours, canals, dockyards, airports, railways, factories and large buildings. They genrally cover a wide range of infrastructure within the wider community.
EVALUATION
Excellent resource to use as civil engineers have a wealth of knowledge in all stages of investigation, ideation, production and evaluation.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 11 years experience
SUMMARY
Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain roads, bridges, dams, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, transportation, harbours, canals, dockyards, airports, railways, factories and large buildings. They genrally cover a wide range of infrastructure within the wider community.
EVALUATION
Excellent resource to use as civil engineers have a wealth of knowledge in all stages of investigation, ideation, production and evaluation.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Tradespeople
"Cabinetmaker"
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 36 years experience and business owner
SUMMARY
This business owner has run a successful company for 25 years in cabinetmaking. Cabinetmakers make or repair furniture using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based products. They prepare drawings, select, cut, trim and assemble materials for use and install and repair products.
EVALUATION
Useful for design challenges due to their specialised skills. They work with both large and more importantly small projects in relation to a primary setting.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 36 years experience and business owner
SUMMARY
This business owner has run a successful company for 25 years in cabinetmaking. Cabinetmakers make or repair furniture using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based products. They prepare drawings, select, cut, trim and assemble materials for use and install and repair products.
EVALUATION
Useful for design challenges due to their specialised skills. They work with both large and more importantly small projects in relation to a primary setting.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Tradespeople
"Electrician"
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 8 years
SUMMARY
Electricians install, maintain, repair, test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. Electricians may also work on electrical transmission and distribution equipment.
EVALUATION
Useful resource to use to assist with planning and implementing design challenges for electrical purposes.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 8 years
SUMMARY
Electricians install, maintain, repair, test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. Electricians may also work on electrical transmission and distribution equipment.
EVALUATION
Useful resource to use to assist with planning and implementing design challenges for electrical purposes.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Tradespeople
"Carpenter"
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 12 years experience in carpentry and the building industry
SUMMARY
Carpenter's are useful for cutting and shaping materials using tools, installation of fixtures, reading plans and building framework. Generally work with wooden materials, however, may work on bigger structures such as bridges, dams and other civil engineering projects.
EVALUATION
A carpenters expert knowledge can assist in all stages of designing a challenge for students with a particular focus on construction.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
(Name held due to privacy)
Access: yvettefasham@gmail.com
Experience: 12 years experience in carpentry and the building industry
SUMMARY
Carpenter's are useful for cutting and shaping materials using tools, installation of fixtures, reading plans and building framework. Generally work with wooden materials, however, may work on bigger structures such as bridges, dams and other civil engineering projects.
EVALUATION
A carpenters expert knowledge can assist in all stages of designing a challenge for students with a particular focus on construction.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Lesson Ideas
"Lesson Planet"
Year Level: All, teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://lessonplanet.com/search/Science/Technology
SUMMARY
This site contains lesson plans for teachers across all KLA's. Teachers have developed and contributed their lesson plans to this website. The site lets you view the title of the lesson and a brief overview of that lesson, to go any further, you need to subscribe to the site.
EVALUATION
Without paying the subscription, Lesson Planet is still a valuable resource. The title of the lesson and the overview gives a starting point for teachers in developing a unit of work or series of lessons.
RATING
* * * Good
Year Level: All, teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://lessonplanet.com/search/Science/Technology
SUMMARY
This site contains lesson plans for teachers across all KLA's. Teachers have developed and contributed their lesson plans to this website. The site lets you view the title of the lesson and a brief overview of that lesson, to go any further, you need to subscribe to the site.
EVALUATION
Without paying the subscription, Lesson Planet is still a valuable resource. The title of the lesson and the overview gives a starting point for teachers in developing a unit of work or series of lessons.
RATING
* * * Good
EDNA
"Education Network Australia"
Year Level: All, Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.edna.edu.au/edna/go/schooled/schools_kla/cache/offonce/cache/bypass?catpath=0,3830,759,635
SUMMARY
The education Netwotk Australia website covers quite a range of teaching aspects and designed to assist educators with online resources. Under the Key Learning Area tab the Technology page offers; technology resources, technology units, technology learning quests as well as pages linking to materials, design, photography, systems and sound and visual.
EVALUATION
The pages on the EDNA site take some time to load, although are worth the wait. The content is very comprehensive and useful. As it is divided by KLA's it is easy to find specific aspects of Technology as it is all linked to the one page. Great online resource for all KLA's, in particular Technology Education.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year Level: All, Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.edna.edu.au/edna/go/schooled/schools_kla/cache/offonce/cache/bypass?catpath=0,3830,759,635
SUMMARY
The education Netwotk Australia website covers quite a range of teaching aspects and designed to assist educators with online resources. Under the Key Learning Area tab the Technology page offers; technology resources, technology units, technology learning quests as well as pages linking to materials, design, photography, systems and sound and visual.
EVALUATION
The pages on the EDNA site take some time to load, although are worth the wait. The content is very comprehensive and useful. As it is divided by KLA's it is easy to find specific aspects of Technology as it is all linked to the one page. Great online resource for all KLA's, in particular Technology Education.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
MCEETYA
"Curriculum Corporation"
Year Level: Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.curriculum.edu.au/ccsite/default.asp?id=19950#technology
SUMMARY
Curriculum Corporation is a partnership of all Australian Education Ministers. This site provides services and creates resources for all learning needs. The 'Teachers and Schools' link contains free lesson plans (across all KLA's), professional learning, resources and much more. The Technology lesson plans available relate to building toys, a modelled wheeled vehicle and creating their own newspaper.
EVALUATION
The Technology lesson plans I believe need refining in order to suit QSA planning requirments. They contain interesting design challenges that have the potential to be integrated into other KLA's. This is a good planning resource for other KLA's.
RATING
* * * Good
Year Level: Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.curriculum.edu.au/ccsite/default.asp?id=19950#technology
SUMMARY
Curriculum Corporation is a partnership of all Australian Education Ministers. This site provides services and creates resources for all learning needs. The 'Teachers and Schools' link contains free lesson plans (across all KLA's), professional learning, resources and much more. The Technology lesson plans available relate to building toys, a modelled wheeled vehicle and creating their own newspaper.
EVALUATION
The Technology lesson plans I believe need refining in order to suit QSA planning requirments. They contain interesting design challenges that have the potential to be integrated into other KLA's. This is a good planning resource for other KLA's.
RATING
* * * Good
NSW Department of Education
"Board of Studies"Year Level: All, Teacher resource
Access: Internet
SUMMARY
The NSW Board of Studies has a very comprehensive website and takes some time to look through. In the 'All NSW Syllabuses' tab is all the information of the KLA's including support materials. There are several KLA's to sort through, however, the most relevant is 'Design and Technology.' The advice on planning and assessment contain sample units of work that can be adapted to suit the Queensland curriculum.
EVALUATION
Very difficult to navigate due to it's comprehensive nature. Once information is sourced, it is a good website for teachers to use to see what type of planning, teaching and assessing is being done in other states. The Design and Technology KLA outlines similar features to that of the QSA requirements, therefore, unit plans can be easily adapted.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Victorian Department of Education and Training
"Victorian Essential Learnings Standards"
Year Level: Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/level4/index.html
SUMMARY
Similar to the QSA Sourcebook Modules, however, produced by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This site contains sample units for teachers under the support materials tab. It relates to the Victorian Essential Lernings Standards (QSA - Core learning outcomes) under the Key Learning area of 'Design, Creativity and Technology.'
EVALUATION
The sample units available from this site can be adapted to suit QSA core learning outcomes. They can be used as a foundation to creating units from scratch or be modified in the areas of curriculum, planning and assessment. Very useful for teachers looking for fresh new ideas or alternate methods of teaching.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Year Level: Teacher resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/level4/index.html
SUMMARY
Similar to the QSA Sourcebook Modules, however, produced by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This site contains sample units for teachers under the support materials tab. It relates to the Victorian Essential Lernings Standards (QSA - Core learning outcomes) under the Key Learning area of 'Design, Creativity and Technology.'
EVALUATION
The sample units available from this site can be adapted to suit QSA core learning outcomes. They can be used as a foundation to creating units from scratch or be modified in the areas of curriculum, planning and assessment. Very useful for teachers looking for fresh new ideas or alternate methods of teaching.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Technology Education
"Tech Kids"
Year Level: 3-7
Cross-curricular links: All
URL: http://www.techedlab.com/techkids/
SUMMARY
EXCELLENT features. This site contains links to over 50 websites that have been filtered in order for appropriateness for children to use. Students can access these links through different areas of interest such as; Tech Kid's Club, Fun in the Kitchen, Explore our World, Cool Science and Maths and many more.
EVALUATION
This site is aimed at children and is very colourful, bold and easy to read, use and navigate. A valuable site that could be incorporated into an ICT lesson or used as a resource for teachers looking for Technology ideas.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Year Level: 3-7
Cross-curricular links: All
URL: http://www.techedlab.com/techkids/
SUMMARY
EXCELLENT features. This site contains links to over 50 websites that have been filtered in order for appropriateness for children to use. Students can access these links through different areas of interest such as; Tech Kid's Club, Fun in the Kitchen, Explore our World, Cool Science and Maths and many more.
EVALUATION
This site is aimed at children and is very colourful, bold and easy to read, use and navigate. A valuable site that could be incorporated into an ICT lesson or used as a resource for teachers looking for Technology ideas.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
The Technology Education Lab
"Tech Ed Lab" 
Year Level: Teacher Resource
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.techedlab.com/
SUMMARY
The Technology Education Lab is a useful website for teachers. It includes links to several technology websites suitable for both teachers and students. This site gives background knowledge of what technology education is, links to cross-curricular subjects including ICT's, Mathematics and Science as well as links to diferent technology education forums across the world.
EVALUATION
This site would be useful to teachers as it provides an abundance of links to other technology related websites. It is useful in terms of connecting teachers with the world of technology through forums and online discussions.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Technology Education
"Technology Education"
Year Level: Teacher Resource
Access: Internet
Access: Internet
SUMMARY
Technology Education is a website designed for high school teachers and students. Upon perusal, I found some aspects to be relevent to a primary education setting. Some features relevant include; free posters, teaching tips, resources, teacher forum and helpful links. Most aspects can be adapted to all levels of primary, however, tend to focus more on the upper primary years.
EVALUATION
This site is easy to navigate and is well resourced. It is free for all to use including the resources and teacher tips, which makes it more apealing. It is interesting to see the teacher forum comments, as it gives an indication of where Technology Education is heading.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Queensland Studies Authority
"Sourcebook Modules"Year level: All
Cross-curricular links: All
Access: Internet
URL: http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/yrs1to10/kla/technology/support.html
SUMMARY
The QSA Sourcebook Modules provide ready to teach units of work in relation to specific KLA's. Included in the sourcebook modules are overview, purpose, actvities, lessons, resources, cross-curricular links, core learning outcomes, assessment strategies, background information and other support materials.
EVALUATION
Great teacher resource as it is very comprehensive and ready to teach. These modules can be used in their entirity or parts can be used to reflect a teachers personal creativity. These modules have been developed and apporved to meet professional standards and expectations of teaching.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Monday, October 22, 2007
Australian Inventions and Discoveries
"Home and Outdoors"
Year level: 4-7
Cross-curricular links: HPE, English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book outlines the discoveries and inventions in the context of home and the outdoors. Items include food, appliances, the backyard, the shed, other household items and sport which are displayed through pictures and short descriptions which make for easy reading.
EVALUATION
Very useful resource for middle primary students to learn more about their home and surroundings. Links can be made with SOSE and HPE, along with ideas for possible design challenges.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: 4-7
Cross-curricular links: HPE, English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book outlines the discoveries and inventions in the context of home and the outdoors. Items include food, appliances, the backyard, the shed, other household items and sport which are displayed through pictures and short descriptions which make for easy reading.
EVALUATION
Very useful resource for middle primary students to learn more about their home and surroundings. Links can be made with SOSE and HPE, along with ideas for possible design challenges.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Australian Inventions and Discoveries
"Health and Medicine"
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE, HPE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers several aspects of health and medicine within Australia and the historical and innovative significance of such inventions. It covers, vaccines, antibiotics, surgery, bionic ear, pacemakers and many more. Each topic is covered briefly yet thoroughly for primary students to understand.
EVALUATION
Another good resource to have within the classroom. Could be very easily integrated in to HPE and SOSE due to it's nature of content.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE, HPE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers several aspects of health and medicine within Australia and the historical and innovative significance of such inventions. It covers, vaccines, antibiotics, surgery, bionic ear, pacemakers and many more. Each topic is covered briefly yet thoroughly for primary students to understand.
EVALUATION
Another good resource to have within the classroom. Could be very easily integrated in to HPE and SOSE due to it's nature of content.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Australian Inventions and Discoveries
"Science and Technology"
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers the Australian inventions across many industries including; aviation, transport, mining, anti-counterfeiting technology and housing. It covers a lot of different inventions that children can relate to and find interesting. Short pieces of text allow for the book to be easily read. The book also contains a glossary and links to further reading.
EVALUATION
A good resource to have within the classroom for students to read. Particular parts may be used in a group setting to talk about invention, design and innovation
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers the Australian inventions across many industries including; aviation, transport, mining, anti-counterfeiting technology and housing. It covers a lot of different inventions that children can relate to and find interesting. Short pieces of text allow for the book to be easily read. The book also contains a glossary and links to further reading.
EVALUATION
A good resource to have within the classroom for students to read. Particular parts may be used in a group setting to talk about invention, design and innovation
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Australian Inventions and Discoveries
"Agriculture"
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This educational book includes historical and current technologies in the farming and agriculture industry. It contains short pieces of writing and relates to a picture for easy reading. Features include; machinary, clothing, medicine, plants, animals and aboriginal farming.
EVALUATION
Great book for students in years 4-6 to read independent or as a group. Has several possible cross-curricular links with activities that could be adapted to suit a design challenge.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: 4-6
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This educational book includes historical and current technologies in the farming and agriculture industry. It contains short pieces of writing and relates to a picture for easy reading. Features include; machinary, clothing, medicine, plants, animals and aboriginal farming.
EVALUATION
Great book for students in years 4-6 to read independent or as a group. Has several possible cross-curricular links with activities that could be adapted to suit a design challenge.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Picturebook
"Three Cheers for Inventors"
Year level: Prep-4
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE, Mathematics
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Picturebook
SUMMARY
This picturebook tells the story of some interesting inventions over time including; the tank, the helicopter, the parachute, the aeroplane, the submarine and the handglider. The author attempts to recap the processes the inventors would have gone through by retelling their stories aimed at children. The pictures allow for a visual journey as well as a captivating story.
EVALUATION
This would be an excellent pre-text to use within the lower levels of primary school, due to it's visual aspects and use of a comic strip type genre. Students would use this story to get background information on prior inventions and could become an inventor themselves for a design challenge.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Year level: Prep-4
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE, Mathematics
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Picturebook
SUMMARY
This picturebook tells the story of some interesting inventions over time including; the tank, the helicopter, the parachute, the aeroplane, the submarine and the handglider. The author attempts to recap the processes the inventors would have gone through by retelling their stories aimed at children. The pictures allow for a visual journey as well as a captivating story.
EVALUATION
This would be an excellent pre-text to use within the lower levels of primary school, due to it's visual aspects and use of a comic strip type genre. Students would use this story to get background information on prior inventions and could become an inventor themselves for a design challenge.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
The Changing World
"Inventions and Machines - The Changing World"
Year level: 3-5
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book contains ground-breaking ideas and inventions as well as over 35 projects for school or home. Projects including machines, levers, wheels, ramps, pulleys, engines, hydraulics, elctronic machines and planes. This book features several activities that could be performed seperate or put together to form a larger project.
EVALUATION
These activities outline the steps, materials and time needed to create the projects. Some projects can be integrated together to form a design challenge for older primary sudents or remain independent for the lower levels of primary school.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Year level: 3-5
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book contains ground-breaking ideas and inventions as well as over 35 projects for school or home. Projects including machines, levers, wheels, ramps, pulleys, engines, hydraulics, elctronic machines and planes. This book features several activities that could be performed seperate or put together to form a larger project.
EVALUATION
These activities outline the steps, materials and time needed to create the projects. Some projects can be integrated together to form a design challenge for older primary sudents or remain independent for the lower levels of primary school.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Inventions
"What a Great Idea - Inventions that changed the world"
Year level: 5-7
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers all of the great inventions over time and show how these inventions have progressed over the years. The books is divded into the ancient world, the metal age, the age of discovery, the age of electricity and communication, the age of the atom and looking ahead. Each invention has a clear, detailed picture and write up of how it works and the impact this invention has hade.
EVALUATION
This book has good links with SOSE and could be the grounding for developing different design challenges or even letting students choose from a variety of design options. This book could also be a useful research tool for students in the investigating stage of a design challenge as it helps them to determine what might be successful for them.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Year level: 5-7
Cross-curricular links: English, Science, SOSE
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book covers all of the great inventions over time and show how these inventions have progressed over the years. The books is divded into the ancient world, the metal age, the age of discovery, the age of electricity and communication, the age of the atom and looking ahead. Each invention has a clear, detailed picture and write up of how it works and the impact this invention has hade.
EVALUATION
This book has good links with SOSE and could be the grounding for developing different design challenges or even letting students choose from a variety of design options. This book could also be a useful research tool for students in the investigating stage of a design challenge as it helps them to determine what might be successful for them.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Instructional Manual
"Let's Build and Invention"
Year level: P-7
Cross-curricular links: Visual Arts
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book/Instructional Manual
SUMMARY
This book contains a step-by-step guide to projects that could be done within the classroom. These projects help to build knowledge of how particular components of an object come together to form the final product.
EVALUATION
This book has a strong link to visual arts with the types of resources required to complete the projects. The projects have the potential to be modified into forming a design challenge and would be suited to all year levels. Students should find the steps easy to follow as both pictures and clear instructions guide the way.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: P-7
Cross-curricular links: Visual Arts
Access: Library
Type of Resource: Book/Instructional Manual
SUMMARY
This book contains a step-by-step guide to projects that could be done within the classroom. These projects help to build knowledge of how particular components of an object come together to form the final product.
EVALUATION
This book has a strong link to visual arts with the types of resources required to complete the projects. The projects have the potential to be modified into forming a design challenge and would be suited to all year levels. Students should find the steps easy to follow as both pictures and clear instructions guide the way.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Magazine
"Technology & Business"
Year level: Teacher resource
Access: Newsagent/Library
Type of Resource: Magazine (monthly)
SUMMARY
Technology and Business magazine contains the latest technology gadgets that have been produced most recently. This magazine relates closely to ICT's as it features articles, advertisements and information on what technology is being invented and innovated.
EVALUATION
This magazine is a good professional development tool for teachers. It allows teachers to keep up to speed with modern technologies, enhancing their knowledge and keeping a step ahead of their students in this digital age. This resource would assist in possible design challenges for upper primary students.
RATING
* * * Good
Year level: Teacher resource
Access: Newsagent/Library
Type of Resource: Magazine (monthly)
SUMMARY
Technology and Business magazine contains the latest technology gadgets that have been produced most recently. This magazine relates closely to ICT's as it features articles, advertisements and information on what technology is being invented and innovated.
EVALUATION
This magazine is a good professional development tool for teachers. It allows teachers to keep up to speed with modern technologies, enhancing their knowledge and keeping a step ahead of their students in this digital age. This resource would assist in possible design challenges for upper primary students.
RATING
* * * Good
Inventions
"1001 Cool Inventions"
Year level: 4-7
Cross-curricular links: English, Science
Access: Gold Coast Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book of facts covers early inventions through to modern science as well as buzzwords that have entered into our language over the past decade.
EVALUATION
This book could be used to inspire ideas and creations amongst students, and is a great sprinboard of ideas for design challenges for both teachers and students. As well as educating on past historical inventions the book provides a foundation for creative thoughts and processes to occur.
RATING
* * * Good
Year level: 4-7
Cross-curricular links: English, Science
Access: Gold Coast Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book of facts covers early inventions through to modern science as well as buzzwords that have entered into our language over the past decade.
EVALUATION
This book could be used to inspire ideas and creations amongst students, and is a great sprinboard of ideas for design challenges for both teachers and students. As well as educating on past historical inventions the book provides a foundation for creative thoughts and processes to occur.
RATING
* * * Good
Robots, Gadgets and Computer Control
"Shooting Stars - TECHNOLOGY TRICKS"
Year level: 5-7
Cross-curricular links: ICT's, Mathemeatics, English
Access: Gold Coast Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book is about control and modelling using technology. It provides general information of how robots are programmed to work and is presented in a way which students would find enjoyable to read. It gives readers many different ideas for building and programming robots as well as special features such as games, quizes and robo-trivia aimed at enhancing a students knowledge of how robots work.
EVALUATION
This would be a good resource to use when developing a technology unit relating to robots. Students can read and learn about the design and programming of robots in a fun way. I beleive the ideas in this book are gender friendly, and most students would enjoy reading the different stages as the unit progresses.
RATING
* * * Good
Year level: 5-7
Cross-curricular links: ICT's, Mathemeatics, English
Access: Gold Coast Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book is about control and modelling using technology. It provides general information of how robots are programmed to work and is presented in a way which students would find enjoyable to read. It gives readers many different ideas for building and programming robots as well as special features such as games, quizes and robo-trivia aimed at enhancing a students knowledge of how robots work.
EVALUATION
This would be a good resource to use when developing a technology unit relating to robots. Students can read and learn about the design and programming of robots in a fun way. I beleive the ideas in this book are gender friendly, and most students would enjoy reading the different stages as the unit progresses.
RATING
* * * Good
Saturday, October 13, 2007
BridgeSite.com
"Bridge Building: Fun and Learning"Year level: 6-7
Cross-curricular links: ICT's, English, Science,
SUMMARY
This website is suitable for both teachers and students to view. The home page has an abundance of information regarding bridges with several links to other relevant websites. The link for "Fun and Learning" can be researched by students as it is links to other websites which give importnt information to students.
This website is suitable for both teachers and students to view. The home page has an abundance of information regarding bridges with several links to other relevant websites. The link for "Fun and Learning" can be researched by students as it is links to other websites which give importnt information to students.
EVALUATION
This comprehensive website is suitable for students to research bridges and various designs of different bridges so they can design and build their own model. Teachers would find this site valuable, as their is a wealth of information on bridge design and construction in an easily categoirised format.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
Science in Our World
"Science and Design"
Year level: Middle and Upper Primary
Cross-curricular links: English, Science and Maths
Access: Griffith University Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book combines Science and Technology concepts with the content able to be adapted to either a science experiment/investigation to a design challenge. The activities relate around understanding the human body and how to design certain things in order to utilise the body more efficiently and effectively. Some ideas in the book are; sitting comfortably, keeping your balance, making use of levers and design for safety.
EVALUATION
There are several ideas in this book that can lead to possible design challenges such as designing new furniture, clothing or other pieces of equipment that allow the human body to perform a task more effectively and efficiently. A very useful teacher resource with large pictures for students to view.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: Middle and Upper Primary
Cross-curricular links: English, Science and Maths
Access: Griffith University Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
This book combines Science and Technology concepts with the content able to be adapted to either a science experiment/investigation to a design challenge. The activities relate around understanding the human body and how to design certain things in order to utilise the body more efficiently and effectively. Some ideas in the book are; sitting comfortably, keeping your balance, making use of levers and design for safety.
EVALUATION
There are several ideas in this book that can lead to possible design challenges such as designing new furniture, clothing or other pieces of equipment that allow the human body to perform a task more effectively and efficiently. A very useful teacher resource with large pictures for students to view.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
South Australia: Department of Education
"R-10 Technology: Classroom Guides for Teachers"Year level: All
Cross-curricular links: All
Access: Griffith University Library
Type of Resource: Teacher Resource Folder
SUMMARY
This teacher resource folder is similar to the QSA Sourebook Modules, however, developed in conjunction with the Department of Education in South Australia. Features included are:
- Characteristics
- Planning Structure
- Learning Described
- Examples of Unit Planning
- Integrated Units
- Appendicies
This resource can be developed to meet the requirements of the QSA syllabus as the SA strands are Information, Materials and Systems.
EVALUATION
This resource is very user friendly and allows for the comprehensive content to be easily adaptable to suit different curriculums.
This resource is very user friendly and allows for the comprehensive content to be easily adaptable to suit different curriculums.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
* * * * Very Good
How Does it Work? SPORTS TECHNOLOGY
"Sports Technology"
Year level: Middle Primary
Cross-curricular links: HPE, English, Science, SOSE, Maths and The Arts
Access: Griffith University Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
"Sports Technology" outlines how various aspects of sporting equipment works such as; tennis racquets, skateboards, clothing and helmets, to name a few. Each piece of technology is broken down into where and how it is used, materials, how it works and what's next for the future.
EVALUATION
This resource would be suited to help develop of unit of work as it's broad topic suggests activities can be created integrating most KLA's. This book is a good lead up to a possible design challenge involving creating a piece of sports technology.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Year level: Middle Primary
Cross-curricular links: HPE, English, Science, SOSE, Maths and The Arts
Access: Griffith University Library
Type of Resource: Book
SUMMARY
"Sports Technology" outlines how various aspects of sporting equipment works such as; tennis racquets, skateboards, clothing and helmets, to name a few. Each piece of technology is broken down into where and how it is used, materials, how it works and what's next for the future.
EVALUATION
This resource would be suited to help develop of unit of work as it's broad topic suggests activities can be created integrating most KLA's. This book is a good lead up to a possible design challenge involving creating a piece of sports technology.
RATING
* * * * Very Good
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Gold Coast City Council - Ready-Set-Teach
"Growing food on the Gold Coast: My Design Challenge"
Year level: 6-7
Cross-curricular links: HPE, English, Science, SOSE
Access: Internet
SUMMARY
The activity is for students to plan and design a new food industry on the Gold Coast. Students should begin to understand the process of development, production and promotion of a product through a Design Challenge. This educational module is 'ready to teach' with features including; Aim, Prior Knowledge, Focus Question, Core Learning Outcomes, Cross-curricular Links, Syllabus Links, Productive Pedagogies, New Basics, Rich Tasks, Suggested follow-up activites, Useful web links, Sources, Anticipated student responses, Occupations and future pathways, assesment criteria and ready to print worksheets.
EVALUATION
This ready-to-use educational module is a valuable resource for professionals teaching on the Gold Coast. The features of the module are very comprehensive as they have been developed in conjunction with QSA guidelines and cover all aspects of planning, teaching and assessing.
RATING
* * * * * Excellent
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