Embedded Files
Subject Profile
Subject Profile
Year Level: 10
Duration: One semester
Periods: 5
Subject Type: Elective (5 period elective block)
This subject looks at both mechanical systems and electrical systems, as well as the process for developing these systems.
In mechanical systems, students learn how physics principals such as force, torque and mechanical advantage, can be applied to actual situations. Students then use this knowledge to create a mouse-trap powered car using various materials to meet specifications, and ultimately race their design against other student's designs.
In electrical systems, students are introduced to electrical concepts of voltage, current and resistance, then demonstrate their understanding of these concepts in constructing a line-following robot project based on the Arduino microcontroller platform. Students will be introduced to programming of the Arduino as part of their project.
The structure of the course is modelled on VCE Systems Engineering Unit 1 & 2, and therefore, provides an excellent introduction for students considering Systems Engineering for VCE.
Much of the work for this subject is done in class. Therefore, students choosing this elective are expected to make the most of their time in class.
The animations above contain examples of actual student work.
"System Engineering is an elective subject that provides both the technical and practical side of science. It involves making objects with the applications of engineering theory and theories from physical science. I enjoyed this subject thoroughly because it taught me physics theory that set me up with year 10 physics in my science classes. I also enjoyed the practical part of the subject and the opportunities we have to create things in our own imagination with the applications taught. I highly recommend this subject. Do choose it for fun!" - Dylan
"Systems engineering is a subject that allows students to not only create something and take it home, but also learn the theory behind how their machine works. As someone who enjoys making things and has done systems engineering as an elective for three years, I found it really interesting to design and build new things each year. The latest addition of learning the theory behind how the machine I built worked was very intriguing as in previous years you only followed steps, but this time you knew how the machine worked and so you could improve and customise your design to do what you wanted it to. Overall, systems engineering is a fun subject, which teaches you many things about the mechanics behind what you make." - Kim
Special thanks to the following students who contributed quotes and examples of their work for this subject profile: Dylan, Kai, Kim and Upek.
For more information, please speak to Mr. Lynch-Wells (BLW), Mr. McIntosh (JMN) or Mr. Martinek (FMA).
Report abuse