Grade 8 - Production

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 and use the process of product design
identify and classify the properties of materials used to manufacture products
select materials based on a set of design specifications
describe combining, forming, separating, and finishing processes as they relate to materials used in product manufacturing
apply finishes and details to manufactured products to enhance their appearance and durability
evaluate the efficiency of a production process
identify ways to minimize waste and reuse products
demonstrate safe work habits when using tools, equipment, and technical processes

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Production in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Students learn about the safe use of tools and machinery. As students solve problems that occur in the design process, they study the diversity and characteristics of materials and processes used in daily life and in industry. Students apply this knowledge to build a product or system.

Have students work in teams to design and produce cardboard foundations capable of supporting a vertical downward load. Ask them what they need to find out before they begin production. Review or help them develop a design process. Have students sketch ideas, build paper prototypes, and construct their foundations. A design portfolio should be submitted as part of the evaluation. (See Appendix D for information about design portfolio.)
Lead a discussion about the properties of materials. Have students classify the materials used in a design activity and describe appropriate combining, forming, separating, and finishing processes. This could be done using a chart that includes the materials, equipment, processes, and safety measures required. Ask questions that lead students to consider minimizing waste and recycling material.
Select a mass-production project that uses a variety of materials. Guide students through the production steps. Challenge each student to complete a higher-quality product more efficiently using mass-production than can be done one at a time. Enhance their understandings of the design process with prompts such as:
- How does the step you are doing now relate to the previous one?
- How does it relate to the next one?
- What are the consequences of a breakdown in a specific part of the process?

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

By observing students as they work to develop products, teachers can assess their knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, safety measures, and waste reduction techniques.

Observe

Develop a checklist to record the safe procedures students use as they work on design projects.
As a post-production activity, ask design teams to investigate waste management. Look for evidence that students are able to:
- identify areas of waste
- generate ways to reduce waste
- suggest methods to recycle or reuse materials

Question

Students are presented with examples of manufactured items composed of a variety of materials (e.g., paper, plastic, fabric). Assess their understandings of the properties of each material with prompts such as:
- What was this item designed to do?
- What materials were used?
- Why were they chosen?
- What other materials could have been used?

Self-Assessment

Work with students to develop an assessment tool (e.g., rating scale) for a product or prototype. Criteria might include:
- Does it perform its function?
- Does it satisfy specific design parameters?
- Is it durable? Stable? Safe?
- Is it easy and cost-effective to manufacture?
- Is it aesthetically pleasing?