12DTE
This course is a product design course based on Electronics. It means to be successfull a good understanding of Sketching, 3D Modelling, Programming, Electronics and Project/Time management skills is required.
Nau mai ki te hikohiko! / Welcome to Electronics!
This is a project-based course for students wanting to specialise in designing, modifying, hacking, and creating digital hardware, electronics and infrastructures.
This course will encourage students to understand how modern computer-controlled electronic devices work by building and programming their own. It will also allow students to explore the world of networking and computing infrastructures if they wish to.
Background Knowledge
Although students can enter the course with no background knowledge in Electronics, they are expected to understand basic and advanced electronics concepts as well as basic electronic skills. They will have they opportunity to develop those throughout Term 1.
Technical Skills
Your focus will be on these primary areas and draw in other technical skills as required by your project:
Basic Electronic Literacy
Design and Construction of electronic environments
Interfacing procedures in specific electronic environments
Techniques in contructing a specified electronic and embedded system
3D Modelling using Fusion 360
Soldering
General Workshop competency
Other skills:
3D printing and laser cutting
General engineering skills for example using a drill press
PCB Making
Project Skills
Design process
Developing a proposal for a project
Planning and managing the resources for a project (Time, materials)
Conceptual skills: coming up with and evaluating ideas before finalising a solution
Testing and evaluating solutions. What works, why, how and is the best solution for the job?
Final delivery: all very nice to make something but if it nevers gets out there it can’t affect the World
Vincent van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter, once made the point that “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together; and great things are not something accidental, but must certainly be willed.”
Key Competencies
One of the goals of this course is to develop key competencies as outlined in the NZ Curriculum. As part of your weekly tasks you will be expected to show how you have used these competencies. The information below gives you ideas of what we are looking for in each competency.
This course will help me to develop my key competency skills of:
"Thinking" by helping me to
make sense of information eg learning electronic interfaces, programming computer hardware and software
solve problems by thinking about trouble shooting, hardware and software design
analyse components and systems and how they relate to each other to provide a function
"Relating to others” by helping me to
respect the rights of others by listening actively to instructions and other peoples opinions in a supportive manner, even though they may be different than my own
show care and concern for others by working effectively as a group and negotiating tasks in order to successfully complete practical work
learn from my own and others' mistakes in a positive manner
“Using Language, symbols and texts” by helping me to
read instructions and application help files, interpret the meaning and use of tools, abbreviations and instructions and use these to create functional, professional hardware and software
understand how to use a variety of tools, for example screwdrivers, anti-static straps, hardware and software tools
appropriately writing up the reflection on my learning and modelling of digital outputs and describing my progress with the testing and changes I make
“Managing self” by helping me to
use my homework diary to remind myself of stuff to bring, homework and assessment due dates
ensure I have the appropriate gear at school on the correct day
behave in an appropriate manner by following the classroom rules and routines
be motivated, ie organise myself to complete all work on time. Update my plan as soon as I realise I have a problem
if I can't find the information I need on the news forums, e-mail etc, ask my teacher either in class or in the forum. Others may have the same problem - It is your responsibility to solve your own problems
"Participating and contributing” by helping me to
be actively involved in the practical tasks required to produce functional circuits
develop confidence to share my ideas and opinions in a group
try new ideas, techniques and processes while working with a range of people with different abilities and backgrounds
Resources Required
Below is a list of resources you are expected to use in this class:
Batteries: Own 9V or AA batteries or other depending on your project
Headphones: At every class so you can watch the required videos for the tasks
Working files: Any files you are working on must be available in class at all times
E-Portfolio: Any format (Could be a notebook) but you need to keep a record of your learning including tips techniques you used in the process of developing your electronics knowledge and skills
Schoology: All course information and tasks will be distributed through Schoology. Schoology also reference the Digital Technologies website.
Tools: Although we supply some tools it may be better to have your set
Multimeter: Multimeters are provided but you are encouraged to buy your own especially if electronics is your "thing"
Components: Depending on the project you may be expected to buy your own
Laptop: Ideally you should be using your own laptop for all work with appropriate applications installed.
The electronics room will be available any time you need it by arrangement with Mrs Dunn.
Unit Standards
There are a range of standards in Electronics that are competency based, as apposed to Achievement Standards that are based on the New Zealand curriculum. L2 Unit standards only have two grades: Achieved and Not Achieved. To create your own project the skills and knowledge that are assessed as part of the Unit Standards are the foundation for your Electronics projects. Achieving Unit Standards can be harder for most as have to complete a closed book examination and you have to get everything right. But the advanced is a really structured way to get familiar with electronic concepts and skills.
The Unit Standards focus on
The fundamentals of circuit concepts and measurements with electronics, electronic components and circuits
Learning how to create your own printed circuit boards (PCB) using the Roland Router
Construct a PCB (Soldering skills required)
Assessments Offered
A variety of assessments are offered but this also depends on the other Technology subjects student are taking. Assessment will be negotiated with their teacher/s based on their project.
The Projects
The projects are central to the success of the course and will form the evidence for assessments.
You will be given an area of focus for your project or negotiate with your teacher if you want to do you own.
Develop a project idea and identify the project in terms of: the issue, context, stakeholders.
Students working on similar projects will be grouped to help each other develop their technical skills.
You can link your Digital Technologies projects with work you are doing in other subject areas (work smarter, not harder).
All projects will be delivered to a Project Folder in Google Drive. If it isn’t in there, it doesn’t exist.
You are allowed to work in groups but the structure/setup will be negotiated with your teacher.
There are a number of project that are advanced enough for Level 2. These are examples.
Home Automation
Elevator
Environmental Monitoring
Robotics and Mechatronics
ExternalS
AS91899 DCATS: All information here.
AS91360 Report
Inquiry in electronics
Listed here are all the information you need to get you started. The main purpose of an inquiry project is to come up with an idea/proposal for a project that will be worth while and has a solid foundation to create an outcome that is usable. These links below are the best place to start.
The outcome of your Inquiry must be a clear, succinct proposal
Extra Notes on Aspects of Critical Inquiry
Example L2 assessment guidelines
So you wanna make a drone? See the DT Inquiry page to understand the difference between L2 and L3 requirements for Inquiry
L2 Digital Technologies Assessment Resources on TKI - It’s A Small World After All
Example questions:
Grandma moving into your 2-level house. How can I make it easier for her? (House Lift)
How can I make table tennis practice sessions more accessible and easier for players? (Robot Vacuum)
Why are fewer people participate in sport? (Ball Pitcher)
What are some of the factors that can affect student learning? How can we improve student learning? (Environmental Sensors)
How can we improve performance of small electric vehicles (EV Data Monitoring System)
How can I Supply Aid to Remote Communities? (Blended Wing Body Aircraft)
How can I make a room secure? ((Fingerprint scanners, pin code or RFID)