This program explores the associated social, lifestyle, ethical and ecological considerations that designers and multinational companies must address while moving through the design cycle. The program uses clear commentary, historical footage and real products to illustrate these considerations. Contributions from design cycle experts, Dr Anderson and Dr Jackson enable the student to clearly comprehend these issues as well as make their own judgment of the positive and negative aspects of the Global Marketplace.
Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)
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Building Bridges – The Physics of Construction
The nuts & bolts of building bridges. What factors to consider when you build a bridge and what’s the Physics behind them? Introducing the concepts of Stress, Strain and Young’s Modulus to describe the structural properties of building materials. This program examines the variety of bridge designs that these materials can be put to: how they work and why. It examines a bridge plan and uses concepts of Torque and Static forces to see if it stands the test of its load. Finally it challenges students to design and test their own bridges from simple materials.
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Introducing Cannabis – Risks, Laws, and Habits
Cannabis is often regarded as a relatively safe, albeit illegal drug, compared with hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Recently however, there is a growing realization that, for some people at least, cannabis is anything but safe. This program looks at the effect of cannabis on the brain and the devastating consequences for some users.
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The Periodic Table
This lab pack, for classroom use, draws on a database of more than 5000 math questions. The pace and level of difficulty change according to each student’s progress.
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Biofuels – Alternative Energy Supply
This program investigates the mode of production of a range of biofuels, from biogas, ethanol and butanol to vegetable oils and biodiesel. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the topic as we look at their uses as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the various fuels.
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Petroleum and Oil Refining
The program deals with how petroleum is formed, its properties and uses. Structures and formulae of hydrocarbons are examined and 3-D animation is used to clearly show the composition of various linear, cyclic, saturated and unsaturated compounds in an engaging and easy to understand format. The program takes an in-depth look at how petroleum (a mixture) is refined into fractions and how these fractions can be changed to have more useful properties. Various cracking and reforming processes are investigated, showing raw materials, processes and products.
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Methods of Heat Transfer
Using numerous examples of how heat transfer is used in everyday life, this fascinating program takes students on a lively journey through the mechanisms and practicalities of heat transfer, clearly explaining the mechanisms of conduction, convection and radiation and introducing the concept of thermal capacity of an object.
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DC Motors
DC Motors starts by clearly and concisely introducing students to the link between electricity and magnetism and how the two can combine to produce movement. The principles of the electric motor, how useful motion can be achieved, leading to the design for a basic DC motor are carefully explained, followed by improvements to the design that lead to the production of a practical working motor. Key 3D animations provide clear, visual explanations of the inner workings of DC motors and add to the outstanding clarity and understanding that this program brings to the topic.
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Functional Properties of Food
This program explores the physical, chemical and sensory functions of many different food products. The program discusses the importance of these functions when preparing food as well as a range of complex processes that will be of great value to any senior food student. Including: Denaturation, Dextrinisation, Emulsifications, Maillard Browning and many more.
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Surviving Student Stress
This program explores study stress explaining what it is, what causes it and what are some typical signs or symptoms to be wary of. Students, parents and teachers are also shown some very practical ways to help ease the load, including: the importance of a stable home and study environment, good time management and planning skills, a healthy eating and posture, exercise, rest and sleep, and the value of a strong support network. The video was produced with input from Melbourne University’s Learning Skills Unit, the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Bendigo Health Care Group.