The Last Mile

Ford Motor Company Australia have identified a problem associated with our state’s transport system – there is a fixed mindset around mobility.

People are reluctant to use public transport as the station is often some distance away from their destination or starting point.

Ford needs designers to create a product concept of a practical solution to help people to travel easily from a train or car park, to their final destination - making “The Last Mile”.
Students will apply the physics of motion in their undertaking of a design project to meet the Brief from Ford. They will learn science and design skills that are immediately useful to help them prepare their idea to present to Ford as a sales pitch.

Industry Partners

Suitable for

Years 7-10 + VCAL

Duration

8x 50min lessons and 2x days at GTS

Student Outcomes

Students will:

Recognise and build empathy around the current state and future of mobility
Interpret a project brief and apply design thinking as part of the creative process
Consider the physics of motion, and the forces acting on a vehicle
Ideate and create a concept for a smart mode of transport
Develop a conceptual model or prototype using 3D CAD modelling
Reflect on energy sources – fossil fuels, renewable energy or batteries
Iterate a model or prototype to improve the design
Create a presentation to reflect, communicate and pitch their idea

Curriculum Focus

Science – Physics
Mathematics
Systems Engineering
Design & Technologies

Program Overview

Population growth and mobility issues

Module 1

1x 50min

Students recognise that population increase causes mobility issues and introduced to Project Brief.

Design Thinking and physics of motion

Module 2

3x 50min

Students explore physics of vehicle motion and apply design thinking to ideate and prototype solutions.

Hovercraft Design Sprint

Module 3

Full Day

Students build and race a hovercraft and are introduced to the basics of Fusion 360.

Design vehicle in Fusion 360

Module 4

Full Day

Students learn advanced CAD skills and create a 3D model of their smart mobility vehicle.

Design iteration and Pitch preparation

Module 5

3x 50min

Students test design and produce a rendered model in CAD, and reflect on design process.

Pitch Presentations

Module 6

1x 50min

Students pitch to Ford, presenting the design journey of the development of their prototype.

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.

Core Program

Bees with Backpacks

Analyse data collected from bee hives to design a more ‘bee-friendly’ environment.

Core Program

Bot Rescue

Explore how robots may be used to assist with natural disaster response operations.

Tech Taster

Check Mate

Design your own chess piece using 3D CAD software and then print it on the 3D printer.

Core Program

Coasting Drones

Investigate how drones assist Life Saving Victoria, and then produce a safety campaign.

Tech Taster

Code Breaker Series

Learn about microprocessors, build circuits, and write code to perform different 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.

Tech Taster

Drone Dash

Use geometry, measurement and block coding to fly your drone around the course.

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.

Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education programs are shorter and are specifically designed for smaller class sizes.

Tech Taster

Leather Bound

Design and prototype a leather product using Illustrator and a laser cutter.

Tech Taster

Real Life Animated

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

Tech Taster

spARk

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

Tech Taster

Table Maze

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

Core Program

The Last Mile

Utilise physics and motion to undertake a design project exploring the future of mobility.

Tech Taster

Tilt Brush in VR

Paint a modern masterpiece on an endless canvas using Tilt Brush in Virtual Reality.

Tech Taster

Tinker Time

Build a project using Hummingbird electronics and Snap! coding.

Core Program

Virtual X

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

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