Digital Teacher - Forum

Subject: Cardboard Engineering-SPACE AND BEYOND - by: admin

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:16:35 +0000

TEAM WORK EXERCISE: SPACE AND BEYOND
This was an extremely successful exercise in basic cardboard engineering at a very young age.
Safety was a major factor and a great deal of preplanning took place. I also made separate ‘how to’ videos for each team. Each team member watched their short video in a computer Lab a number of times and I verbally quizzed them. Minimal written instruction. I was blown away with the care that the children took. Hints and Tips below video

Hints and Tips
• Plan plan plan
• Split the class up into TEAMS
• Create visual HOW TO information
• Team instructions in dot point on the white board
• Use computer programs to create interesting designs
• Use core flutes flexible hinge properties to reduce cut through of the material
• Stanley knives only protruded 2mm for the folds
• Use scissors where possible
• Make use wide metal rulers/edge cutting tools
• Glue sticks were handed out very slowly

Subject: BIKE OR CAR - by: admin

Fri, 11 May 2012 23:55:06 +0000

1.9 MILLION TO BUILD..............NO PRICELESS
The eco-friendly “Fahrradi Farfall FFX” is the brainchild of Austrian artist Hannes Langeder. But rather than using V12 horse power, the “car” operates with pedals where the accelerator and brake would be in a normal car.

Langeder built the car, which is on display at the Lentos Museum of Art in Linz, Austria, as part of an art project that anticipates a “future top model of an actually existing automobile brand".

The two-seat “super bike-car” is aerodynamically designed, contains 11 gears, skinny wheels that work in tandem and two “gullwing” doors that open upwards.

The car’s name comes from the German word for bicycle - fahrrad, which stems from the Italian word for butterfly “farfalla”.

[b[img]www.news.com.au/technology/compensating-...frfro0-1226352835911[/img][/b]

http://

Subject: Fantastic Fabrication: BBQ Project - by: admin

Mon, 07 May 2012 06:15:36 +0000

The latest from Digital Teacher.

Hot off the BBQ. Fold that one away for the summer holidays

Sound Track: Instrumental from Secrets in Stereo

Subject: Coast to Coast: National Forum anyone? - by: admin

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:15:03 +0000

To strengthen the Design and Technology Brand and as a subject with a National Curriculum around the corner is it not the time to consider installing a sophisticated 21st century National Design and Technology Website.
The site should have a system to store/search all the great information Tech teachers share. Any type of database Blackboard, Moodle or other refined commercial LMS or CMS will do.

AS AN EXAMPLE ONLY Here is a quick Video about using Moodle (because thats what I know about) . to organise all the different Design and Technology Forums around Australia. The video also shows the Australian Science teachers website and Moodle.
National collaborations between teachers and even classes in a rich multimedia environment could be achieved. This is only an idea and ideas need action from EVERYONE and most importantly State List Administrators to start discussions. Maybe the new DATTA Facebook page is a good place to discuss the idea.

PLEASE MAKE A COMMENT

Subject: CHOP THAT BIKE - by: admin

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:45:33 +0000

Most young people love the freedom of the bicycle. Schools and innovative teachers can use this 'connection' as a tool to engage more reluctant students. Building from junk can also create a sub culture within a Design and Technology subject and some students love this strong identity. Clever use of design and innovation often coming from the students themselves can give the 'reluctant student' a reason to be at school. With the desire comes learning. Start by building Spin cycles, articulated bicycles in fact any type of safe machine that will inspire the students to upgrade they skills. Building Racing machines can be fun but are at the higher end of skill development.

Here is a 9.5MB video of Metal Shop Fun. CRANK UP THE SOUND

Subject: Recycling in the school Shop? - by: admin

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:51:06 +0000

Subject: Re: New to Moodle - by: admin

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:02:30 +0000

Lots of good instruction in this set

Subject: FIRST LOOK AT MOODLE - by: admin

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:46:14 +0000

We all have our favorite video. I liked this US College first look