Grade 11 - Product Development(Principles and Concepts of Technology)

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

describe processes and components involved in manufacturing and production
compare the characteristics and properties of materials used to manufacture or produce products or systems
describe the forces that act on structures that must be taken into account when designing, manufacturing, or producing products or systems, including:
- stress
- static and dynamic loads
identify impacts of production and manufacturing processes on society and the environment
identify entrepreneurial opportunities in production and manufacturing

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Product Development (Principles and Concepts od Technology) in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

As students work individually and in groups to evaluate the characteristics, properties, and production of existing products, they develop an awareness of materials and processes used in product development.

Present students with a variety of natural and composite construction materials. Have them describe the characteristics (texture, colour, finish), properties (hardness, density, strength), and appropriate uses for each.
Ask groups of students to each select a product such as a table or desk to analyse. Have them list the integral components, formulate possible methods of construction (e.g., panel and rail), develop flow charts to show the order of assembly, and present their findings to the class. As an extension, ask groups to analyse the structural integrity of the products, focussing on how the effects of forces were considered in the products´ development.
Have students compare similar products made by different manufacturers (e.g., CD racks, office chairs, running shoes). Challenge students to develop "product sheets" to list the advantages, disadvantages, and special features of each design (e.g., structure, function, effect of forces, aesthetics, ergonomics, materials).
Invite groups of students to each select an assembled item such as a refrigerator, snowmobile, or hair dryer. Ask them to use a variety of information technology tools to research and prepare reports about the products´ development, impact on society, and long-range effect on the environment.
In teams, have students brainstorm questions to ask a person currently involved in the manufacturing or production field. Encourage them to develop questions to find out information on:
- career preparation and educational requirements
- tasks and responsibilities
- the work environment, including information about gender and cultural diversity

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

As students choose materials for the development of products, they can demonstrate their knowledge of characteristics and properties of materials and of the criteria to be considered in choosing them.

Present samples of construction materials to students and have them describe their characteristics and properties. Note their abilities to:
- identify the materials by name
- suggest appropriate applications of these materials in manufacturing and production
- list where they have seen the materials used, and give possible reasons for their use
Observe teams of students as they analyse products, and note the extent to which they are able to:
- identify the integral parts
- suggest possible methods of construction for those parts
- illustrate the order of assembly of the products
- present information in a logical sequence
After students review similar products and develop product sheets, ask them to demonstrate their findings to the class. Note their abilities to:
- identify appropriate criteria for comparison (e.g., structure, function, aesthetics, materials, safety)
- identify the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another, using the criteria
- identify the effect of forces (e.g., stress and strain, static and dynamic loads) in product development
- use correct terminology
Have students interview people currently working in a manufacturing or production field and prepare presentations based on their research. During the presentation, look for evidence that students are able to identify:
- educational training required
- duties and responsibilities related to the job
- patterns of participation with respect to gender and cultural diversity
- the impact of technology on the occupation