UAE Grade 6 Design and Technology Curriculum

While specific details about the Grade 6 curriculum are limited, the Design and Technology curriculum in the UAE, as indicated by the Ministry of Education (MoE) teacher licensing document, emphasizes a comprehensive approach encompassing design theory, realization, and programming.

Design Theory

This domain focuses on understanding the impact of design and technology on individuals, society, and the environment. It also covers design ethics, responsibilities, and the integration of computer hardware and software with educational theory. Key aspects include:

• Impacts of Design and Technology: Exploring the effects of design and technology across various contexts and their interrelation with other fields like mathematics, science, and engineering.
• Design Cycle and Concepts: Understanding different theoretical approaches to design principles, knowledge, and practice, including ideation techniques, data analysis, sustainable design, and innovation.
• Design Documentation and Communication: Developing skills in writing design specifications, communicating design processes through technical writing and presentations, and managing project resources.

Design Realization

This domain emphasizes the practical application of design principles through modeling, workshop activities, understanding structures and mechanisms, electronics, and assessment. Key aspects include:

• Modeling: Utilizing graphical, physical, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for design solutions and prototyping.
• Workshop: Gaining proficiency in using tools and equipment, applying measurement and marking processes, and adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Structures and Mechanisms: Understanding material properties, selection, and processing techniques, as well as the application of mechanisms for motion conversion and transmission. This also includes designing structural systems for desired shapes.
• Electronics: Identifying and utilizing electrical components, solving and designing electrical circuits, constructing circuits using breadboards or PCBs, and controlling systems using sensors and actuators.
• Assessment: Testing and evaluating system performance against design specifications and existing products, and proposing improvements for enhanced functionality.

Algorithms and Programming (Python)

This domain focuses on developing computational thinking skills and programming proficiency using Python. Key aspects include:

• Algorithms: Breaking down programming specifications into steps, using pseudocodes and flowcharts, and evaluating algorithm efficiency and complexity.
• Variables: Working with different data types, understanding variables and constants, using operators, and creating and manipulating static and dynamic data structures.
• Modularity: Programming using Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP) and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), including applying OOP features like inheritance, encapsulation, abstraction, and polymorphism.
• Control: Combining sequence, selection, and iteration statements for specific tasks.
• Program Development: Applying the software development life cycle, comparing programming languages, identifying programming errors, and implementing testing techniques and best practices for code documentation and maintenance.