Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2019
Year 8 Year 7
Let’s go Mobile! Solar Power
Our students live in a connected world and as digital
connections continue to grow there is a greater need
to understand how networks operate. In this course
student will explore mobile communications; how
they are built, operated and maintained. They will
also have the opportunity to design and create their
own software application. In this course students will explore solar energy as a
renewable alternative to fossil fuels and a major energy
source. Following a design process, they will apply
their understanding to design and build a solar vehicle
with the aim of improving efficiency and functionality.
Key topics covered:
• Concepts of solar energy
Key topics covered:
• Engineering design principles needed to construct
and test a fully solar powered model vehicle using
Photovoltaic (PV) cells
• Understanding how mobile devices and networks
work
• Building computational thinking skills to develop
basic algorithms
• Electronic circuitry used to convert the sun’s
energy directly into electric energy
• Undertaking a primary research task through the
collection of relevant data
• Identifying and investigating ways in which solar
power has been used locally, regionally and
globally
• Using software applications to analyse and display
data
• Social, ethical and sustainability of alternative
solar energy
• Understanding current networking hardware and
protocols
• How to analyse motion, force and energy to
control the outcomes of a solar vehicle
• Enhancing programming skills through the design
and development of an app suitable for use on a
mobile device.
The Guildford Gourmet
Food brings people together and plays a large part
in all of our lives. There is increasing community
discussion and debate about food issues, including
hygiene, dietary requirements and food security. In this
course students will explore a range of these issues
and be introduced to basic food preparation skills and
techniques with the aim of planning and preparing a
number of delicious healthy meal options.
Design Technologies
Each Design Technologies course will see students
manage projects independently and collaboratively,
from conception to realisation. They will apply
design and systems thinking and design processes
to investigate ideas, generate and refine ideas, plan,
produce and evaluate designed solutions. They will
develop their ability to generate innovative designed
products, services and environments. Students will
study one of three Design Technologies courses
available in Year 7 and 8 to experience this learning
area.
Key topics covered:
• Safety in relation to working in a kitchen with
cooking utensils
• Issues of food hygiene including food poisoning,
cross-contamination, temperature and storage
methods
• Genetically modified foods and the environmental
impact of food production
• The creation of healthy food items for breakfast,
lunch and dinner
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