This Catalyst article looks at 3D printing, a new technology which is rapidly finding applications. Although probably too slow for mass production it is useful for producing prototypes and tailor-made items. In a 3D printer, layers of polymer beads are printed one on top of the other. Heat melts the polymer beads...

In this 5 hour STEM Clubs teaching pack students examine ways in which communities can put measures into place to make sure people and properties are safe, and look at how the IoT can bring additional benefits to this safety.

It is recommended that, prior to this...

This five hour teaching pack supports students to research, design and prototype their own Internet of things product to enhance the working lives of firefighters.

This resource looks into making a prototype of a treadle pump. 

Suggested learning outcomes include:

• To be able to manufacture a working prototype of a treadle pump for people living in a remote village.
• To be able to select appropriate materials, tools and equipment for a manufacturing...

In this project, students use Autodesk Homestyler to design a living space for a disabled client. The design must include a ground floor living space with outdoor landscape. The overall plot must not exceed 25m x 60m and the living space must not exceed 10m x 40m. Students create a customer profile to base their...

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different classifications of plastics and polymers. Within this lesson students will understand the processes involved in refining, fractional...

A Nuffield design hexagon task focusing on product design (using resistant materials). Aiming to extend understanding of how to evaluate a design by thinking how it affects people and whether it performs as expected.

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A presentation to support a project to design and make a useful item that incorporates throwaway materials. 

A set of design guides for Key Stage Four focusing on product design providing a straightforward way for students to become familiar with the sorts of questions they should ask when designing for a particular focus area.

The design guides can act as a stimulus for students who are having difficulty in...

Produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), this set of activities allows students to investigate the properties of polymers in relation to the design requirements for a sleeping bag.

Students carry out an investigation of the design and manufacture of sleeping bags as a product...

From The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), these materials consist of three parts relating to the choice of materials and production processes involved in the manufacture of plastic bottles for carbonated drinks. The three sections are:

From The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), these activities deal with the different stages of market research, product design, selection of materials and manufacturing processes in the sports shoe industry.

Through a range of activities and practical investigations, students gain a greater...

This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology. This resource focusses on analysing existing products.

Product analysis allows designers to understand how...