Design Technology - Classroom problems

Problems with teacher support

The following problems contain detailed teacher support concerning how we might use the task in schools. However, since these problems are intended to be rich mathematical activities they can be used effectively in many ways and at many levels of sophistication, both in the classroom and by individuals.

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engNRICH

engNRICH is the area of the stemNRICH Advanced site devoted to the mathematics underlying the study of engineering

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Drawing doodles and naming knots

This article for students introduces the idea of naming knots using numbers. You'll need some paper and something to write with handy!

problem

Tom learns to cook

Age

7 to 11

Challenge level

If Tom wants to learn to cook his favourite supper, he needs to make a schedule so that everything is ready at the same time.

project

Helicopters

Design and test a paper helicopter. What is the best design?

project

Troublesome triangles

Many natural systems appear to be in equilibrium until suddenly a critical point is reached, setting up a mudslide or an avalanche or an earthquake. In this project, students will use a simple simulation game to investigate the properties of such systems.

problem

Playground snapshot

Age

7 to 14

Challenge level

The image in this problem is part of a piece of equipment found in the playground of a school. How would you describe it to someone over the phone?

project

Make your own robot

A simple robot to make, plus robots in everyday life to investigate.

project

Flip your mat!

What shape and size of drinks mat is best for flipping and catching?

problem

Tiles in a public building

Age

7 to 11

Challenge level

What is the same and what is different about these tiling patterns and how do they contribute to the floor as a whole?

problem

Air nets

Age

7 to 18

Challenge level

Can you visualise whether these nets fold up into 3D shapes? Watch the videos each time to see if you were correct.

article

Mathematical patchwork

Jenny Murray describes the mathematical processes behind making patchwork in this article for students.

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Plaiting and braiding

This article for students gives some instructions about how to make some different braids.

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Celtic knotwork patterns

This article for pupils gives an introduction to Celtic knotwork patterns and a feel for how you can draw them.

problem

Chocolate cake

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

If I don't have the size of cake tin specified in my recipe, will the size I do have be OK?

problem

Hmm ... when should tom have put the rice on ...

Age

11 to 16

Challenge level

Creating a schedule to cook a meal consisting of two different recipes, plus rice.

article

Programming: Moiré patterns

We need computer programmers! Logo is a great entry-level programming language - and you can create stunning graphics while you learn.

article

3D drawing

The design technology curriculum requires students to be able to represent 3-dimensional objects on paper. This article introduces some of the mathematical ideas which underlie such methods.

problem

Tray bake

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

My recipe is for 12 cakes - how do I change it if I want to make a different number of cakes?

problem

Designing table mats

Age

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Explore the properties of oblique projection.

project

Make your own pencil case

What shape would fit your pens and pencils best? How can you make it?

problem

Isometric drawing

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Explore the properties of isometric drawings.

problem

Carbon footprints

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Is it really greener to go on the bus, or to buy local?

problem

Mystery procedure

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Can you work out what this procedure is doing?

article

Elastic maths

How do you write a computer program that creates the illusion of stretching elastic bands between pegs of a Geoboard? The answer contains some surprising mathematics.