UK Year 8 Design and Technology

This course introduces students to the core concepts of design and technology, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills. Students learn to design and make products, understand materials and their properties, explore manufacturing processes, and utilize CAD/CAM software. They also consider the environmental impact of design choices.

Designing and Making Products

This unit focuses on the process of designing and creating products to meet specific needs. Students learn to analyze existing products, exploring their functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. They develop skills in working with various materials and manufacturing methods, emphasizing quality control throughout the production process. Projects may involve designing and building models, such as bridges or furniture, applying design thinking principles to solve real-world problems.

Materials and Their Properties

Students explore the characteristics of different materials, including wood, metal, plastic, paper, and card. They learn about physical and working properties, such as strength, durability, flexibility, and conductivity. This knowledge informs their material selection for specific design projects, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact.

Manufacturing Processes

This unit introduces students to various manufacturing techniques, including traditional methods and modern technologies like 3D printing. They learn how materials are processed and formed into products, considering the efficiency and sustainability of different approaches.

CAD/CAM

Students learn to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. They develop skills in creating 2D and 3D designs on the computer, visualizing and refining their product ideas. They also explore how CAM is used to control manufacturing processes, such as laser cutting and 3D printing, bridging the gap between digital design and physical production.