DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Courses offered: Design Technology (SL) Design Technology (HL) 1.
What is the nature of Design Technology at IBDP level?
The course aims to develop internationally-minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world. In Design Technology students combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies, like CAD/CAM, and consider the impact of future technological developments on a social and environmental level. They learn to think creatively while developing real world skills in problem solving, project planning, communication, and time management. 2.
What will be the approach to learning?
Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the subject. Students will use the design cycle as a tool, structuring their inquiry and analysis of problems, the development of feasible solutions, and the testing and evaluation of the solution. Working both independently and collaboratively, students will develop solutions in the form of models, prototypes and products. IB Design Technology achieves a high level of design literacy by enabling students to develop critical-thinking and design skills, which they can apply in a practical context. 3.
What will be the subject content?
The syllabus is split into theory and practical elements, with practical tasks often used as a way to reinforce the theory. During the course, students in SL and HL will cover knowledge from the six core topics ● Human Factors & Ergonomics (Core Topic 1) ● Resource Management and Sustainable Production (Core Topic 2) ● Modelling (Core Topic 3) ● Raw Materials to Final Product (Core Topic 4) ● Innovation and Design (Core Topic 5) ● Classic Design (Core Topic 6) In addition HL students will study the following additional four topics. ● User-centered Design (HL Topic 7) ● Sustainability (HL Topic 8) ● Innovation and Markets (HL topic 9) ● Commercial Production (HL topic 10) Over the period of the course all students (SL &HL) will work on teacher-directed activities such as mini projects, physical prototyping and digital modelling with fusion 360. The students will complete a design project worth 40% of the final grade.
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