Resources : www.rapidonline.com -search Audio Amp, http://www.technologystudent.com/ - Electronics
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm
http://www.howstuffworks.com/ - search How sound works,
Itunes- Adobe Photoshop podcasts
Timescale : 30 lessons @ 1 lesson a week.
Year group(s) : Year 9
The activity enabled pupils to :
• Design and make a quality product.
• Use CAD/ PCB design systems effectively and creatively.
• Improve attainment and access to higher NC levels via improved knowledge & interest in systems & control ‘electronics’.
• Improve awarness of electronics in 21st Century society.
• Engage in and make connections (e.g. designing, making, testing, and costing) about products that are aimed/ targeted at them and how they function.
• Improve confidence in girls electronics designing and making knowledge.
• Raise achievement and motivation in year 9.
How was this supported?
• I purchased a few kits from Rapid, I felt that the Mp3 Audio Amp would instantly appeal to the ‘Ipod’ generation.
• Through discussion, demonstration, worksheets and itunes podcasts.
• In the past Electronics, has been taught ‘virtually’ using crocodile clips. It is hoped that a more practical and creative approach will motivate students to produce a quality outcome.
• Through engagement in researching, designing, modelling using prototyping board and testing circuits (virtually) and making an Audio Amp circuit and Speaker Housing similar to products that they see in/ on ‘firebox.com or Red 5’ etc.
Pupil Outcomes
• Electronics experience and knowledge.
• A fully working quality product.
• A creative and original product that meets its target audience.
• Understanding and experience of Computer Design and manufacture.
• The use of different materials (speaker housing) and components (electronics components) to make a quality product.
• Engagement in soldering, identifying components and making a product that works.
• An understanding of how ‘electronic products’ are designed and manufactured from a systems approach.
• An understanding of Ohms law, and the use of IC chips in technology today.
• Researching and identifying popular images in the 21st Century.
• Engagement in practical activity and ownership of their own design/ outcome ideas.
• More motivated students with improved and greater access to higher attainment levels.
Submitted : 23 Nov 2008
Approved : 26 Nov 2009
