Monday, November 23, 2009

Learning Journey @ Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Si Ling's Sec 3N Design and Technology elective students make a visit to Ngee Ann Polytechnic for a Learning Journey to understand how design processes were executed in Polytechnic.


Mr Lim, the course manager of Product Design and Innovation was the host of the day. His experiences and knowledge really benefited the students.





Students were also treated with a tour in the center to see the numerous processes in prototyping that were not available in school.







A rapid prototyping of a hand.






In the Product appreciation session, Mr Lim has identified two very interesting project by their final year students.


In all students from Si Ling had a wonderful time at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.





Learning Journey @ IKEA


The Design and Technology Students of Si Ling from Sec 3NT made a visit to IKEA Tampinese on a mission to understand designing for living and the ways of a modern lifestyles from the "GURU"


The students are given a brief introduction by Mr Law on their worksheet before commencement.
Teachers and students write down their observation and review the furniture designed in terms of their functionality and ergonomic.


In all, the students find the activities engaging and informative.









Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Excellent Structure Game!

Found this game played by one of our 3T students to be fun and educational. It revolves around structures and the consequences of structural failure. Thanks, Jianzhi!

Follow the link: http://www.limexgames.com/games/cargo_bridge_xmas/ (excellent xmas version with materials in play too!) Or you can play below for a small-screen version.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Visit to ITE's Design Excellence Centre @ Tampine ITE

It was a warm and sunny day on the 16 November 2009 when 4 D&T teachers from Si Ling Secondary School visited Tampine's ITE's inaugural Open House for their Design Excellence Centre (DEC). The 4 teachers were me, Mr Teo, Mr Leow and Mr Andrew. Reaching the place, we were warmly welcomed by the lecturers, Mr Wilfred and Mr Jospeh Chia (if you may recall from a previous visit to Bishan ITE).

We were briefed by their lecturers from the various design courses in the ITE's Design School and it was an eyeopener (or earopener) here to learn that there were so many Design courses availble! Some revealing points learnt?
  • ITE Design students work in design teams.
  • They go to WORK and not to School.
  • They learn authentically in real world projects (i.e. actual design contracts with real companies).
  • Design students are largely accepted based on entrance interviews (including sec sch attendance etc.).....BUT....
  • KEY POINT: Must PASS MATHS if logical reasoning is required.

Here are some pictures taken yesterday. Apologies had to use a mobile phone camera as the school camera ran out of battery on my 2nd shot!!! (Thanks Mrs Vela.....:P)
A design area where students can explore materials, texture and colours. Very useful for students who are stuck for finishing ideas..... A plausible idea for our new Design Studio.
One of the IT-based Design labs in the DEC. I like the way how the PCs are arranged in a circular fashion so that students can discuss while working. Very cosy too.....

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ideation for a foldable bicycle!

You need not have perfect sketching skills to ideate. Check out this designer's ideation! As long as it makes sense to you....

Some more photos from the ITE visit with Sec 3 N(T) D&T Students



Mr Teo trying out a "Spore" chair designed by one of the ITE Design lecturers....looks shaky and counter-convention. It actually turned out safe and very ergonomically-designed!












Yixin of Sec 3T2 viewing some design apparatus used by the ITE Design students.















Rogini and Huixian fascinated with what ITE Design students are learning.


















Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Blog is Up!

Hello all!

I am glad this blog is up. Let us look forward to many exciting updates in Si Ling's D&T Department!

Learning Journey @ ITE Bishan, School of Design and Media (Product design)


On the 23rd November 09, Siling Secondary School, Design and Technology unit joint venture with ITE Bishan, School of Design and Media (Product Design) to conduct a  Learning Journey for Sec 3NT design elective student.

The Design and Technology unit would like to thank Mr Joseph Chia and his team from ITE Bishan for taking time off their busy schedule in making this learning journey possible for Siling Secondary's Sec 3NT design elective students. 
 
Joseph, section head of the product design unit in ITE play host that day and give the students a tour on the facilities of the faculty in the campus. 


We have visited the CAD Lab and students of ITE shows their work in progress. Notice one of an ITE student who is Mr Law's ex-student from Siling is in the picture. 




Lectures of ITE also took time off their busy schedule to give the student a talk on the design process of their students' work. It was really engaging for our students as these project are very commercial based.