Design, Creativity and Technology

VET Multimedia Certificate III has many practical exercises. Here a group of Year 11 students usie critical thinking to solve the challenge of holding a 600g weight over a span of 400mm, using only drinking straws and pins. Tasks like this help students think laterally or ‘outside the square’. Students are encouraged to solve problems by looking at things differently, testing, experimenting and challenging existing thought patterns. When used effectively this approach can assist with the improvement of existing, or the development of entirely new or innovative, services products or processes. Patrick Helsing “The robotic arm is capable of lifting various items. It is controlled by a micro–controller mounted at the base of the machine, enabling it to pick and move objects without assistance. The arm has five segments including the hand, at the end of which is an electromagnet for picking up metal items.”

Nicholas Thanos “For 2009 systems I decided to build a remote controlled airboat using various tools and parts. The motor runs on nitro methanol which gives excellent power for size. The boat was built using new and second–hand parts, and the hull was hand made from balsa wood.”

Marcus Holmes “I built a remote controlled bulldozer from scratch, using various methods and tools, including the school’s milling machine. The tracks were from kits; everything else I designed and constructed. It is an operational model, and can drive backwards and forwards as well as turn whilst being controlled from a remote.” Aaron Brown

Jacques Plompen