Grade 12 - System Integration(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:

explain basic digital logic
explain how feedback is used to correct the functioning of systems and subsystems
describe systems integration that combines two or more of the following components:
- electrical
- electronic
- pneumatic
- hydraulic
- mechanical

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for System Integration Principles and Concepts of Technology) in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Students extend their understanding of systems integration by examining the logic used in systems design and the forms of logic applied to systems and subsystems.

Introduce students to the concept of binary number systems and discuss the design of a schematic circuit that incorporates three switches in series and three in parallel. Challenge them to design and make puzzles of switches in parallel and in series. Then have them share their circuit boards to determine the binary code required to complete the circuits.

Present students with systems that require a number of detectors or sensors (e.g., an alarm system). When they examine the components, encourage them to consider the system requirements and applications by asking questions such as:
- Would you use a motion detector in a barn? Why or why not?
- Would you use a light sensor in a room with blinds? Why or why not?
- Would you use a vibration sensor in a concrete building? Why or why not?
As an extension, have students list careers that involve repairing and installing systems (e.g., alarm installer).
Ask students to identify examples of feedback systems (e.g., speedometer in a car). Then have them sketch a feedback loop, using appropriate terminology (e.g., input, output, adjust, monitor ).

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

As students work with the materials, tools, and components used to develop integrated systems, they can demonstrate their abilities to apply basic digital logic and feedback loops to correct the functions of systems and subsystems.

As a performance-assessment task, ask students to demonstrate their understanding of basic digital logic by designing a complex series-parallel circuit. Look for evidence that students are able to:
- integrate series circuits and parallel circuits
- apply binary codes
- use different combinations of switches to demonstrate integrated circuitry
Collect students´ sketches of feedback loops and check that they are able to:
- include all components
- use appropriate terminology
To demonstrate their understanding of interconnected control devices, ask students to direct their classmates in skits that illustrate how the devices they have researched work. Observe students´ abilities to identify:
- individual control devices within each system
- the function of each device
- how each control device affects others within each system