Backed up to the Future

Water pipes get blocked and when they do, you either have too little or too much water

Barwon Water services many kilometres of pipe to millions of homes and businesses in the Geelong region. The ongoing maintenance, repair and replacement of water pipes is an expensive and time-consuming process for Barwon Water.

Barwon Water will engage students to investigate a blocked pipe in their water system. Students will work as a team of ‘water consultants’ to investigate and find a solution to the problem, using robots.

Industry Partners

Suitable for

Years 7-10 + VCAL

Duration

4x 50min lessons and 2x full days at GTS

Student outcomes

Students will:

Interpret the design brief/challenge
Collate and analyse data
Investigate reasons for pipe blockages
Design sewer robots to collect intel and/or clear blockage
Reflect on processes and results
Create a presentation to share the group’s results

Curriculum Focus

Science
Mathematics
Digital Technologies
Design & Technologies

Program Overview

Barwon Water and Project Brief

Module 1

1x 50min

Introduction to Barwon Water and urban water systems, sewer blockages and maintenance.

Biodegradability of commonly flushed items

Module 2

2x 50min

Investigate the common causes of sewer blockages and biodegradability of commonly flushed items.

Sewer robots

Module 3

1x 50min

Investigate the different types of sewer robot technology used for sewer maintenance.

Sewer Robot: Design and Build

Module 4

Full Day

Design a sewer robot, including building and coding (block coding), and testing the robot.

Sewer Robot: Demo and Presentation

Module 5

Full Day

Robot testing in a simulated sewer pipe and group presentation of sewer robot prototype.

Design to Thrive

AgriTech

Create a solution for real-world problems in the agricultural sector.

Tech Taster

App app and away

Using UX design principles, ideate, plan, and build a prototype mobile phone app.

Core Program

Backed up to the Future

Design a robot that removes blockages in the pipes and drains around Geelong.

Tech Taster

CAD it

Design a product using 3D CAD software, then print it on a 3D printer.

Core Program

Coasting Drones

Investigate how drones are used in industry, and assist Life Saving Victoria to save lives.

Tech Taster

Code Breaker Series

Learn about microprocessors, create circuits, and write code to perform functions.

Design to Thrive

Conservation and Culture

Create solutions for real-world problems in conservation and environmental science.

Core Program

Design for Humanity

Students design & prototype an engineering solution to a real-world humanitarian problem.

Core Program

Future Bricks

Students investigate Hemp as a sustainable and viable building product for the future.

Core Program

Future Fashion

Design and prototype a fashion accessory incorporating wearable technology.

Tech Taster

Game Design

Students create an “obstacle course” themed playable level using provided assets.

Inclusion Programs

Inclusion Programs

Inclusion Programs are shorter and are specifically designed for smaller class sizes.

Tech Taster

Laser Make

Design and construct a diorama using Adobe Illustrator and a laser cutter.

Tech Taster

Real Life Animated

Create and animate a 3D character, plugging in your own motion data.

Remote & Virtual

Remote & Virtual Learning

Our remote and virtual programs are accessible to Victorian schools outside the Geelong LGA.

School Incursions

School Incursions

We’ll bring the Tech School to you for a week with our custom trailer.

Tech Taster

spARk

Design a cartoon character and bring them to life with animation and Augmented Reality.

Tech Taster

Street Art

Explore Street Art as an art form, and its punchy position in the artistic landscape.

Tech Taster

Table Maze

Design and build a cardboard maze then use block code to automate a solution.

Tech Taster

Tinker Time

Build an exciting mini-golf hole using cardboard, robotics and Snap! coding.

Core Program

Urban Bee-ology

Analyse urban beekeeping and design a more ‘bee-friendly’ environment.

Core Program

Virtual X

Develop and apply creative design skills to create a 3D artwork in a VR environment.

What we offer

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