Technology

Technology education was introduced into the South African curriculum in recognition of the need to produce engineers, technicians and artisans needed in modern society and the need to develop a technologically literate population for the modern world. The subject stimulates learners to be innovative and develops their creative and critical thinking skills. It teaches them to manage time and material resources effectively, provides opportunities for collaborative learning and nurtures teamwork. These skills provide a solid foundation for several FET subjects as well as for the world of work.

Specific Aims:

1. Develop and apply specific design skills to solve technological problems

2. Understand the concepts and knowledge used in Technology education and use them responsibly and purposefully

3. Appreciate the interaction between people’s values and attitudes, technology, society and the environment

Grade 7

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Term 1:

• Introduction to technology

• Design process and considerations

• Introduction to graphical communication

• Graphic techniques

• Simple mechanisms

• Practical investigation: Levers and linkages

• PAT: Pneumatics and hydraulics

Term 2:

• Types of structures

• Landline vs. mobile

• Action research: to stiffen materials/structures

• Investigating design issues

• PAT: Cell phone tower

Term 3:

• Magnetism

• Metals

• Recycling

• Simple electric circuits

• Cranks and pulleys

• PAT: Model crane

Term 4:

• Refugees

• Processing food

• Specialized clothing

• PAT: Shelters for refugees

Grade 8

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Term 1:

• Frame structures

• Structural members

• Graphics: conventions, working drawings

• Mechanical systems revision

• Gears

• PAT: Frame structures with mechanisms

Term 2:

• The positive impact of technology

• Case studies

• PAT: Counteracting effects of negative technology

Term 3:

• Revision: Levers

• Gear systems

• Calculating mechanical advantage

• 2D sketches

• System analysis – bicycle gear system

• Systems diagrams

• Mining

• PAT: Tendering for constructing head-gear for a mine/quarry

Term 4:

• Revision: Electrical systems and control

• Energy

• Electrochemical cells

• Generating electricity

• PAT: Circuit or logic gate

Grade 9

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Term 1:

• First angle orthographic projection

• Design problem: flight of stairs and wheelchair ramp

• Forces

• PAT: Identifying a problem within a given scenario

Term 2:

• Revision: Pneumatic and hydraulic systems

• Hydraulic press and jack

• Pulleys

• Mechanical control systems: ratchet and pawl, disc brake, bicycle brake, cleat

• Gears

• PAT: Integrated systems

Term 3:

• Revision: Electrical component symbols, simple circuits

• Ohm’s law

• Resistor colour codes

• Parts of an electric circuit

• Sensors

• Simple electronic circuits

• PAT: Electronic systems

Term 4:

• Preserving metals

• Preserving food

• Types of plastics and their uses

• PAT: Working with plastics