Welcome to the Design Technology collection of stemNRICH resources.
In these resources, maths is used as a tool to explore some aspect of design technology. Some might be best used in the maths lesson, with reference made to the science. Others could be taught as cross-curricular topics.
Stage 3 is roughly 11-14 years and Stage 4 roughly 14-16 years. The stars indicate how easily most learners can get into the problem, although most problems contain enough depth to challenge and stimulate all.
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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.
engNRICH
engNRICH is the area of the stemNRICH Advanced site devoted to the mathematics underlying the study of engineering
Tom learns to cook
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.
Playground snapshot
Tiles in a public building
Air nets
Mathematical patchwork
Plaiting and braiding
Celtic knotwork patterns
Drawing doodles and naming knots
Tray bake
stemNRICH picture of the month
Designing table mats
Witch's hat
Sending a parcel
Making Moiré patterns
Moiré patterns are intriguing interference patterns. Create your own beautiful examples using LOGO!
Make your own pencil case
What shape would fit your pens and pencils best? How can you make it?
The Codabar check
This article explains how credit card numbers are defined and the check digit serves to verify their accuracy.
Toad in the hole
Cool as ice
Flower power
Chocolate cake
Programming: Moiré patterns
We need computer programmers! Logo is a great entry-level programming language - and you can create stunning graphics while you learn.
Hmm ... when should tom have put the rice on ...
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.
How the Velodrome found its form
The Velodrome was one of the most striking buildings in the London 2012 Olympic Park. This article explores how mathematics helped design the iconic building and its track.
Elastic maths
Track design
Where should runners start the 200m race so that they have all run the same distance by the finish?
Chopped dice
Robot camera
Stadium sightline
Public key cryptography
Problems without specific teacher support
The following problems are without specific teacher notes. These are often problems which would be difficult to fit into a typical curriculum area at school or are very open ended. They will be interesting for students interested in the general subject area to explore alone or for teachers to explore for ideas to bring to their own classrooms.
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