Activities related to Technological Modelling

Activities to support student learning related to the Technological Modelling component could include:

So, what do we mean by Modelling?

The teacher could begin the focus on Technological Modelling with a brainstorm of all the types of modelling and models the students are familiar with. [Students may not naturally come up with any examples that would fit into the category of technological modelling – that is, functional modelling and prototyping. If this is the case, it may be useful for the teacher to add these examples as the brainstorm progresses.] Each of these could then be grouped together according to their purpose

At the end of this discussion it would be useful for the teachers to check all students have a clear definition of technological modelling and can differentiate such modelling from other forms of activity undertaken in technology and other areas of our lives.

Analysis of Designers' use of Functional Modelling

Students could focus particularly on Second Skin and The Love of Icarus and identify and discuss the functional modelling undertaken by Fiona and Hayley, and Rodney to inform their decisions about which design ideas to follow though and which to reject.

Their discussion should include an identification of design ideas the artists were testing, and how the information gained was used to make subsequent decisions about what they 'could' do and what they 'should' do.

Prototyping

The teacher could ask the students to identify how different designers tried to test their prototypes to ensure they met the WOW specifications prior to sending them in for the competition.

Link to Technological Practice learning

If the students are involved in designing and/or making a piece of wearable art themselves (or any other outcome) they could debate the importance of undertaking both functional modelling and prototyping. Each student could then reflect on their own planning decisions in relation to undertaking technological modelling.