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Advice for teachers -
Systems Engineering

Unit 4: Systems control – Area of Study 1: Producing and evaluating integrated technological systems

Outcome 1

Finalise production, test and diagnose a mechanical and electrotechnological integrated and controlled system using the systems engineering process, and manage, document and evaluate the system and the process, as well as their use of it.

Examples of learning activities

  • Take a photo (or find an image) of the variety of tools, equipment and processes used to construct prototypes, subsystems or systems. Annotate each photo to document the safe management and use. Photos could be placed in PowerPoint or Word and then annotated.
  • Make adjustments to the inputs, process and feedback to the system and observe how the outputs are affected. Document adjustments and observations using text and images on a blog (such as Global2) or wiki (such as Wikispaces, MediaWiki, DokuWiki or WikkaWiki).
  • Verify the resistance change of a thermistor by developing a test that measures the resistance changes of a thermistor as it responds to the temperature changes in a tub of hot water as it cools. Graph the results and compare them with the response claimed in the relevant data sheet.
  • Verify the resistance change of a flex sensor by developing a test that measures the resistance changes of a flex sensor as it is bent around corflute disks of different diameters. Graph the results and compare them with the response claimed in the relevant data sheet.
  • Verify the current draw of a DC motor by developing a test that measures the current draw of a DC motor as it is used to wind string that is attached to different masses. Graph the results and compare them with the current draw response claimed in the relevant data sheet.
  • Design and conduct function and diagnostic tests that quantify performance. Two possible examples follow.
    • Reverse action linkage with a mechanical advantage of one. The test needs to be designed to measure the input displacement and output displacement of the linkage, quantified in terms of some appropriate SI unit. Remember to repeat measures to confirm correct and reliable function.
    • Fan changing from a rate of rotation of 20 rpm to 30 rpm when the system measures a specific change in ambient temperature and humidity. The test needs to independently measure temperature and humidity. Verify when such a condition exists for the system, and then test the fan speed before and after the condition. Also verify that the change in fan speed only occurs when both conditions are satisfied by using a debug condition in the microcontroller code, and verify the fan speed using a marker on the fan and a stopwatch.
    Create an electronic record of the production and diagnostic activities undertaken using images, video, simulation software and datalogging. A range of digital tools could be used to create the electronic record, including PowerPoint, Photo Story, videos, blogs (such as Global2) or wikis (such as Wikispaces, MediaWiki, DokuWiki or WikkaWiki). Remember to back up information using multiple repositories.
  • Produce an interactive instructional resource demonstrating a testing procedure, safe use of tools, or a complex process, using a wiki (such as Wikispaces, MediaWiki, DokuWiki or WikkaWiki).
  • Example icon for advice for teachers
    Explore ways in which an integral aspect of the systems engineering process can be tested by identifying a diagnostic procedure for a component, sub-system or system.
  • Document an assembly process for a subsystem by:
    • taking photographs of the process and annotating them as steps in the process of production; then printing out the sequence.
    • drawing key aspects of the assembly process by using a drafting/3D modelling software package such as SketchUp or Blender. Provide annotations and animations to the 3D drawing of the process using PowerPoint, Google Slides or similar applications.
    • filming the assembly process and inserting a voiceover that describes the assembly process. This could be presented in an electronic portfolio; for example, using hyperlinks in PowerPoint, Google Slides or similar applications.
  • Produce a multimedia electronic portfolio that addresses the evaluation criteria, the design, decision-making, production and testing processes and the completed system’s performance.
  • Discuss the term ‘triple bottom line’ in regards to a measure of sustainability that includes economic, social and environmental performance measures. Assess a sub-system in regards to these three measures of sustainability. Also conduct a cradle-to-cradle assessment of a sub-system. Make an overall judgment about the sustainability of the sub-system. Information could be presented in a Mind Map using Inspiration or Bubbl.us.
Example icon for advice for teachers 

Detailed example

Diagnostic testing

Discuss how an integral aspect of the design and production process is tested. Each student will identify a diagnostic procedure for a component, sub-system or system.

Using a Wiki platform (Wikispaces, MediaWiki, DokuWiki, WikkaWiki), students develop their testing purpose and procedure (using peer feedback and discussion), and document the decisions made as they refine their diagnostic testing protocols and instrumentation use through peer review.

The report should include images, video, simulations and datalogging records.

The testing report should include:

  • purpose
  • theory
  • materials
  • testing apparatus
  • procedure
  • data tables and scatter graphs
  • comparison with datasheet documentation
  • discussion and conclusion
  • evaluation of the test and posible redesign.