Refining the Frame

Curriculum Area

Technology – Level 6 (aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum)

• Strand: Technological Practice
• Key Focus: Planning and implementing practical construction solutions
• Achievement Objectives:
  • Develop and refine materials-based outcomes through iterative testing
  • Apply problem-solving skills when adjusting designs

Lesson Overview

In this 60-minute session, students will continue building the frame of their Mai Mai, incorporating lessons and feedback from the previous session. Emphasis will be placed on adjustments, improvements, and structural integrity.

Through critical reflection, practical work, and collaborative problem-solving, students will refine their techniques and enhance their construction skills while ensuring that their frame meets the necessary functional and aesthetic criteria.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
✔ Identify design flaws from their initial frame construction and propose practical solutions.
✔ Implement adjustments and reinforcements to improve structural strength.
✔ Use appropriate tools and materials safely and effectively.
✔ Work collaboratively to overcome problems and achieve construction goals.

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Lesson Breakdown (60 Minutes)

1. Introduction & Recap (10 mins)

• (5 min) Whole-class discussion:
  • Recap last lesson’s key challenges (e.g. material weaknesses, misalignments, stability issues).
  • Ask students: What adjustments did we identify last time? How might we improve the design today?
  • Relate this process to real-world technological practices (e.g. engineers iterating structures).
• (5 min) Safety refresher:
  • Reinforce safe use of tools: saws, drills, clamps, and measuring tape.
  • Highlight teamwork principles and the importance of careful measuring and securing.

2. Practical Construction (40 mins)

💡 Key focus: Adjusting, reinforcing, and refining frame structures.

(10 mins) Group Planning & Task Division

• Students break into small groups of 3-4 students per Mai Mai frame.
• Assign tasks:
  • One student measures and marks areas needing adjustment.
  • Another student saws and refines joints as needed.
  • One student secures reinforcements (using nails, screws, or supports).
  • Final student reviews overall structure for alignment and stability.

(25 mins) Hands-on Frame Adjustments

• Students implement their structural changes under teacher supervision.
• Circulating the room: Teacher provides feedback, prompting students to reflect on their choices.
• Emphasis on peer-checking: students inspect each other’s work and suggest minor improvements.

(5 mins) Stress Testing & Structural Check

• Once adjustments are made, each group lightly stress-tests their frame by applying pressure to key points.
• Teacher asks guiding questions:
  • Does it hold weight as expected?
  • Are joints secure and properly reinforced?
  • If needed, what further refinements could be made?

3. Reflection & Clean-Up (10 mins)

• (5 min) Whole-class Reflection:
  • What improvements worked best?
  • If we had to build this again, what would you do differently?
  • Relate to real-world technological problem-solving (e.g. why do buildings undergo reinforcement?).
• (5 min) Pack-up:
  • Tools returned, workstations cleaned, materials stored.
  • Teacher acknowledges effort and prepares students for the next stage: “Next lesson, we’ll begin adding support structures for weather durability.”

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Assessment & Feedback

✅ Formative Assessment: Ongoing observation of student work, ensuring accuracy, safety, and application of design thinking.
✅ Peer Review: Each team evaluates another team’s structure and provides a short verbal critique.
✅ Self-Assessment: Students list one success and one challenge they faced (to inform their next steps).

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Differentiation Strategies

🔹 For advanced learners: Encourage them to test alternative bracing techniques (e.g. diagonal supports for stability).
🔹 For students needing more guidance: Pair them with a capable peer or provide a pre-recorded demonstration for revision.
🔹 Hands-on learners benefit from: Using a mini-wooden model to explore the principles of reinforcement before implementation.

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Materials & Resources

• Measuring tapes, saws, drills, clamps
• Screws, nails, wood reinforcements
• Safety goggles, gloves
• Blueprint copies & student plans

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Teacher Reflection Questions

📝 To refine the next lesson, consider:

• Were students able to independently identify weaknesses in their structures?
• Did they apply recommended reinforcements effectively?
• Did students understand the practical significance of testing and iterative design?

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🌱 Next Lesson: Begin adding support structures to enhance weather durability and long-term stability!

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This lesson seamlessly integrates problem-solving, reflection, and hands-on learning, making it engaging, practical, and aligned with NCEA and NZ Curriculum standards. 🚀