Topic 14 in the series of GCSE PowerPoints. Not necessarily part of the specification for every product design GCSE but is worth introducing to students as a material area as it can be useful for so many products and careers. Activities, notes and discussion points. A practical that can be done from home or in a limited textiles environment that introduces students to basic sewing skills and simple e-textiles which can be linked back to previous learning on smart and modern materials.

PowerPoint 13 in the set for GCSE Product Design, introducing polymers. Activities, exam questions and discussion points. Useful to have material samples to help alongside this. Covers the two types of plastics, their uses, environmental concerns with plastic use and a practical to strengthen working skill and understanding of material use.

PowerPoint 12 in the series for the Product Design GCSE. COvering metals and alloys. will be a good introduction of a material area or revision. Activities, information presented for note taking, practice exam questions and a practical suggestion to strengthen understanding and provide opportunity to develop working skills with metal.

Number 11 in the set of GCSE PowerPoints. An introduction into the use, properties and working characteristics of different manufactured boards. Information presented for students to take notes as well as activities to strengthen understanding and exam practice question.

No 10 in the series of GCSE PowerPoints for Product Design. This one introduces the students to the topic of natural timbers. A very quick introduction to the topic with more coming later int he academic year. See Topic 19. I have covered hardwoods and softwoods, given example materials and their properties. Useful to have lots of timber samples as a handling collection to go with this.

The ninth in the set of GCSE Product Design PowerPoints. This one covers the topic of papers and boards. It works well as an introduction with students taking notes as well as setting a design activity to explore the content further and develop the students knowledge of printed items.

The 8th in the series of GCSE PowerPoints. This one covers the scientific selection of materials and their properties. It introduces different keywords used in material selection and also shows industry processes such as the use of bubble charts to find alternative materials for situations.

Topic 7 in the GCSE set of PowerPoints. Covering simple mechanisms including levers, types of motions and gears. a good introduction to the topic with questions and a project to create a mechanical toy set to strengthen and develop learning.

Topic 6 of the GCSE Product Design Course. I use this alongside the amplifier kits available on kitronik (details in the ppt) but it could easily be adapted for other kits or electronics projects. develops good soldering technique and introduces components and how programmable circuits can be included in prototypes and product designs. videos, discussion points and questions included in the PowerPoint.

Topic 5 in the GCSE PowerPoints. Covering materials. Smart materials, composites, modern materials and material scientists. Ive included videos from Youtube, activities in design using new materials, discussion points and exam questions.

Topic 4 in the GCSE course. Lots more PowerPoints being prepared and uploaded. This one covers energy generation (fossil fuels, nuclear and renewables) Exam questions, discussion and notes to take with diagrams.

The third in the series of GCSE course content I’m uploading. Following the same style of TEEP learning. Lots of information on new and emerging materials including smart materials. videos and practice exam questions plus discussion points for an engaging topic. works great if you have some smart material samples to demonstrate with such as - https://mindsetsonline.co.uk/product-category/smart-materials/smart-materials-packs-and-books/

2nd lesson of the GCSE course I am uploading. A design challenge to really engage students from the outset of the course. A creative solution is needed with the opportunity for students to explore prototyping their ideas as well as working on clear design communication. Works well with the https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/egg-cup-design-challenge-12448197 egg cup design challenge resource book but could be done without.

The first of a set of PowerPoints I have produced to cover the GCSE content for Product Design. It sets out the content to be covered over the two years, the style of learning (TEEP cycle) and some simple introduction activities to get students thinking and engaged.

SEND marking codes poster displayed in classrooms to allow students to understand how feedback on their work is given. Good activity to “decode” their feedback on homework in the next lesson.

Mini design challenge that has been run with key stage 4 groups many times (and a few adult lessons) to encourage creative thinking and problem solving. Design brief given with opportunities to explore and think outside of the box before using craft materials to prototype and present ideas to a group for feedback. Can easily be run as a competition and does not need specialist equipment so could easily be suitable for use outside of a specialist classroom or even work from home project.

SEND friendly safety cards developed for an SEND school. Displayed next to the machines for students to refer to. Colour coded with some symbol support.

A small booklet for students to update with relevant notes when they have been demonstrated and then used a new piece of machinery in the workshop. the booklet stays within their design technology folder for reference as well as a record of the workshop competence. Useful for new teachers to see student’s experiences. Blank pages at back can be used if new equipment is introduced. space for notes, photos and example products. the front section is also set out with hand tools in a similar format to the older style GCSE papers.

A very quick design challenge that is run as part of a homework challenge for year 7 as they enter the school. Once the entire year group has completed we have someone come and judge it for creativity and use of research. The winning designer is given a prize and certificate and if possible their design is drawn up and 3d printed! (A good opportunity for a student in sixth form to assist here) No resources needed other than basic drawing equipment. if you want to push students away from internet research we send them to the school/local library to get their research.