The Learning Matrix for STEM Engineering

The student's individual learning plan will consist of at least one item from each Green coloured column of this learning matrix.  There are 25 learning cells in this learning plan.  Most students will dip into at least one cell each week.  It is expected that students will take 16 weeks to complete this learning matrix.  This learning matrix is asynchronous.  It doesn't have to be developed in any particular week or sequence.

You will receive two assessment projects to be done out of class time.  It is expected that you must make an attempt at these projects.  It doesn't matter if you get all the questions wrong!

The student's final assessment will be based upon the depth to which they complete each linked column of this matrix.

In 2005 students completed two design briefs for a "Smart House" and a "Game Toy or Ride".  They also completed formal written assignments and homework where the criteria for successful completion was to attempt as many answers as possible.

Students will demonstrate their progress in the learning matrix by referring to the "What Do I Do Next?" link on the Teacher website for their particular class.  This link page will list the suggested learning responses for each week.  The student's intranet web pages will become the evidence of achievement.

Using Tools and Materials Understanding Client Needs Developing Prototypes Working in a Design Team Selling Your Product
Choosing a tool Who is the client? What is a prototype? How does a team work? Did I build what my client wanted to me design?
Using Wood How do I find a client? Why must my model be automated? Who is doing what? Did my prototype match or exceed the client's expectations?
Using Metal Can I do what I like? Using FrontPage and a digital camera to document my prototype Is there a team leader or do we just work informally? Using MovieMaker and FrontPage to produce an advertisement
Using an electrical circuit How do I research what other people have done to solve this problem? What skills do I need to make this prototype?

 

 What happens if somebody does not do their work? How do I evaluate my product using FrontPage and a webcam?
Being safe! Using a vector drawn graphics program ( e.g. PhotoDraw ) to plan my design response Does it matter if I don't hammer the nail in straight? What is the role of the teacher? How would I improve my product if I had  more time and more money?