Grade 9 - 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:

use a design process to modify products to improve their appearance, usefulness, and function
classify and describe the characteristics of industrial materials
investigate and select materials to meet design specifications
devise and use assembly-sequence diagrams and flow charts to explain a process or system
devise a manufacturing process
identify new trends in manufacturing processes
describe ways to reduce waste
select and use a variety of finishes on products to improve their appearance and durability
select and safely use hand and power tools in the manufacture of products
demonstrate safe work habits when using tools, equipment, and technical processes, and encourage the same in others

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

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Practical skills are best developed through hands-on experience while addressing real-world issues. Students have such opportunities as they design and produce both assigned and self-selected products and systems. As their production skills become increasingly sophisticated and precise, they extend their knowledge of the safe use of various tools and equipment.

Have students investigate the differences between handcrafted and mass production processes and techniques by:
- fabricating simple objects using a multiple-step method (e.g., paper pinwheels)
- finding out in a measured time how many objects can be fabricated by individuals and by co-operative teams
- describing the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
Work with students to illustrate a design process to update an existing product. Discuss the need to redesign a product when it does not market well or becomes obsolete, and show students an example (e.g., a toy). Have them identify weaknesses in its design, and have each team redesign it and develop a prototype.
Have students investigate trends in manufacturing by examining the function and construction of tools and machines from various time periods. Ask them how modern processes have replaced older methods of manufacturing.
Encourage students to work in teams to design and construct products or systems made of recycled materials. Have students list ways that cardboard, scrap wood, metal, and paper are used in their designs.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Encourage students to discuss their ideas and strategies as they devise, modify, and improve existing processes and products. To assess their understandings, focus on their abilities to explain and justify their choices in materials and processes.

Observe

While students work with hand and portable power tools, look for evidence that safety procedures are being followed. For example:
- blade guards replaced
- electric tools unplugged when not in use
- gloves and glasses worn when necessary
- extension cords stored safely

Question

As students work on a design project, assess their planning abilities by asking questions such as:
- What steps do you plan to work on today?
- How does this fit in with your plan for competing the whole project?
After students complete and evaluate a prototype, assess their design processes by asking questions such as:
- What new problems have you identified?
- What further improvements could be made to your prototype?
- How could you address these issues in a subsequent design?
While students work in design teams to manufacture a product, ask them to:
- justify their choices of materials
- explain how the materials relate to the design specifications (e.g., scratch resistant, lightweight, non-toxic)
- justify the finishing processes they have chosen