Inspection & Quality Control

Lesson Overview

Unit: Building a Mai Mai (Lesson 18 of 28)
Time: 60 minutes
Year Level: 11
Subject: Technology – Materials and Processing Technology
Curriculum Alignment: NCEA Level 1 – Demonstrate understanding of materials and their use in product construction
Class Size: 13 students

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Conduct a structured peer review of each Mai Mai
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement in craftsmanship
• Understand and apply quality control measures relevant to construction
• Propose necessary adjustments to enhance durability and functionality

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Context (10 mins)

• Teacher-Led Discussion:

  • Recap the purpose of a Mai Mai and its essential structural requirements.
  • Introduce the concept of quality control in construction: Why is it critical in ensuring safety, longevity, and usability?
  • Key Terms of the Day: Structural Integrity, Weather Resistance, Durability, Material Optimisation, Functionality

• Contextual Example:

  • Briefly showcase a real-world example of a poorly constructed Mai Mai (via photo or in-person model).
  • Discuss common structural faults and how they might impact the effectiveness of the structure in real-use conditions.

---

2. Peer Review Process (20 mins)

• Structured Walkthrough:

  • Students will work in small groups of 3–4.
  • Each group will rotate through different Mai Mai (approx. 5 minutes per station) and follow a checklist-based evaluation.
  • The checklist will include:
    • Material Quality & Suitability (Are materials appropriate for their function?)
    • Strength of Joints & Fastenings (Are nails, screws, or bindings secure?)
    • Weatherproofing Elements (Will it keep water out? Is there sufficient drainage?)
    • Design for Purpose (Does it meet the intended functional requirements?)
    • Overall Durability & Stability

• Hands-On Quality Control Testing:

  • Students will gently apply pressure to structural elements (under teacher supervision) to assess stability.
  • Assess door/hatch functionality where applicable.
  • Identify potential weak points or material issues in each structure.

---

3. Group Reflection & Adjustments (15 mins)

• Students reconvene in their original Mai Mai building teams.

• Discussion Prompts:

  • From the peer evaluation, what three key improvements were suggested for your Mai Mai?
  • If this were a commercial project, how would you rectify the faults?
  • What resources or techniques could improve structural integrity?

• Mini Whiteboard Challenge:

  • Each group writes three practical adjustments they can implement in the next lesson.

---

4. Class Debrief & Next Steps (10 mins)

• Whole-Class Discussion:

  • What were the most common quality control issues found?
  • What elements were well-executed across most designs?

• Teacher Recap & Preview:

  • Highlight how industry professionals conduct final quality inspections before sign-off.
  • Browse through next lesson objectives: Implementing Structural Adjustments & Reinforcements.

• Exit Ticket Reflection:

  • Before leaving, each student submits a sticky note answer to:
    “What is one major adjustment your group now plans to make?”

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing extra support:

  • Provide visual examples of both strong & weak structures.
  • Assign a mentor student to guide checklist completion.

• For advanced students:

  • Challenge them to identify efficiency improvements—how could they get the same sturdiness but use fewer materials?
  • Research a real-world industry grade standard for Mai Mai construction.

Resources Required

✔️ Completed Mai Mai structures
✔️ Printed peer review checklist
✔️ Mini whiteboards & markers
✔️ Sticky notes for exit reflections
✔️ Safety warning signage (if necessary)

---

NZ Curriculum Connection

This lesson aligns with NCEA Level 1 Materials and Processing Technology by engaging students in evaluating material properties and applying practical problem-solving within a technology-based project. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they assess the integrity of their structures and apply principles used in real-world construction industries.

Key Competencies Developed

✅ Thinking: Applying iterative design improvements
✅ Participating & Contributing: Peer collaboration in structured review
✅ Using Language, Symbols & Text: Technical terminology in construction quality assessment

Final Thought for Students:

“Think like a builder. If you had to live in this Mai Mai for a week, what would you change?” 🚀