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Identify Need or Opportunity
Need: Design one new piece of playground equipment that will encourage children to play with it regularly, develop basic motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and interact cooperatively with their peers. This equipment will develop children’s conceptual understandings and psychomotor skills. -
Period: to
Design Process
The design process and practice within an authentic context started on March 1 and finished on May 6, 2016. During this time I formulated a critical understanding of the disciplines of Science and Technology. I engaged in critical reflection based on practical and collaborative experiences. I identified and evaluated the relationships between Science and Technology. I evaluated teaching resources in Science and Technology. -
Visit Margaret Mahy Playground
I went to see Margaret Mahy Playground to get inspiration for my new piece of playground equipment. I noted which pieces of existing equipment were being used and which pieces of equipment were not. I noted which pieces of equipment seemed to be the most unsafe and I also looked for a bi-cultural aspect. -
Compile Photos
Link to bubbl.us mind map After visiting the Margaret Mahy playground for inspiration, I organised all the photos into a mind map and by annotating the photos that would suit my purposes best. -
Research Survivor challenges
After watching survivor one night and thinking "these challenges might be really great for kids", My partner and I researched online to find suitable challenges for a playground. We ended up choosing to modify a vertical standing maze using a pulley. -
Scientific Investigation
To answer the question 'how much space between holes is needed to make the piece of playground equipment challenging, but not impossible for children?' we made a hypothesis, did a series of tests, made observations, recorded results and wrote a conclusion -
Develop an Initial Brief
After a lot of reflection and the visit to Margaret Mahy Playground for inspiration, I was able to develop an initial brief. -
Product Development - functional modelling
Functional modelling started with a range of sketches. Then one final sketch was chosen. Based on that sketch a 3D model was created using cardboard and lego bricks and lego pulleys. -
Final Brief
Using all the information learned from the intial research, scientific investigation and functional modelling helped to modify and refine the final brief. -
Implication for the Classroom
Link to video resource about pulleys for children I created a lesson based around pulleys for a Year 3-4 class Level 2. I wanted students to get a lot of hands-on experience with pulleys in several different contexts. Students will try using a pulley made out of household objects, watch a short video explaining the mechanism, go outside and observe the caretaker at the flagpole, and build their own pulley. -
Detailed Drawing
I drew three images for my detailed drawing. The first image at the top of the page is a side view. This image includes specifications about materials and joining techniques. The second image is a front view. It includes measurements. The third image is the design. It includes rendering and colour choices. -
Complete Final Conceptual Model and Design
Using plywood, stainless steel screws, and exterior glue I built a model of the Vertical Maze. I used paint to paint on the design of Whaitere the enchanted stingray and paua shell colours as a theme. -
Model Evaluation and Reflection
After building the model, I reflected on whether or not all of the outcomes were achieved. Based on the criteria I decided that the Vertical Maze demonstrated high levels of fitness for purpose in all areas.
