Design Projects that Integrate Science and Technology

Abstract

The Systems strand of technology refers to the study and development of a combination of components that work together to achieve a specific purpose and can also be described in broad terms of relationships between inputs, processes and outputs. Lego Robotics™ is a sophisticated learning environment that combines two central aspects: first, the physical construction of machines and, second, the provision of programming opportunities using a simple, icon-based programming language. Cardboard boxes and tubes can provide resources for the design of machines while matchsticks and even spaghetti can feature in the design briefs for bridges. However, when providing materials such as spaghetti to build bridges the teacher might reflect on the authenticity of constraining student creativity with the use of such materials.