Building Understanding: Exploring the Digestive System through Hands-On Design and Technology / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

Digital Technologies

• The student engaged in problem-solving by determining which found objects could best represent the various parts of the digestive tract, fostering critical thinking skills.
• By constructing a model, the student learned about the importance of design thinking in technology, enhancing their understanding of how design can solve real-world problems.
• The activity encouraged exploration of digital tools by allowing the student to document the modeling process using a digital camera or tablet, enhancing their technical skills.
• Creating the model helped the student appreciate the role of prototypes in product development, linking theoretical concepts to practical application.

Science

• The student learned about the anatomy and function of the digestive tract, deepening their understanding of biological systems through hands-on experience.
• The project illuminated the process of digestion, allowing the student to create a visual representation of biological processes, which enhances comprehension.
• Creating a model highlighted the interconnectivity between different parts of the digestive system, reinforcing concepts about ecosystems and the functioning of living organisms.
• This mixed media experience introduced students to the scientific method, encouraging them to hypothesize about digestion and test their model’s effectiveness.

Design and Technologies

• The activity promoted creativity as the student designed and built an innovative prototype using everyday objects, linking practical skills with design principles.
• Through the process, the student developed an understanding of the materials' properties and usability, fostering material literacy.
• This task illustrated the application of sustainable design by utilizing found objects, teaching students about recycling and the environmental impact of product design.
• The project encouraged reflection on the design process, leading the student to evaluate their work and propose improvements, which aligns with iterative design concepts.

Tips

To further enhance learning, consider introducing digital modeling software to allow students to visualize their designs before physical construction. Additionally, guide students to research the digestive process and how different foods affect it, enriching their understanding. Encourage group discussions on the environmental impact of using found objects versus manufactured materials to solidify connections to sustainability. Finally, implementing a feedback session where students critique each other's designs could foster collaborative learning.

Book Recommendations

• The Human Body: An Illustrated Guide to Every Part of the Human Body and how it Works by DK: A visually engaging book that explains the organs and systems of the human body, including the digestive system, which supports learning through illustrations.
• Design & Technology: A Practical Guide for Teachers by Mark H. Green: This guide offers insights into hands-on design and technology projects, perfect for teachers helping students with design-based learning activities.
• The Digestive System by Sarah Witham Bednarek: An informative book that teaches children about the human digestive system through easy-to-understand facts and illustrations, supporting the science curriculum.

Learning Standards

• ACARA – Science: Understand the function of the digestive system (ACSSU150)
• ACARA – Design and Technologies: Investigate and select materials, components, tools, and equipment to create solutions that meet specific design criteria (ACTDEK020)
• ACARA – Digital Technologies: Plan and manage the creation of digital solutions (ACTDIP022)