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 CAD, Design skills and collaboration skills to design their own solution to this problem.

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 investigate population increases and how this exacerbates mobility issues, introducing the Project Brief

Physics of motion and energy

Module 2

4x 50min

Students explore the physics underpinning vehicle design including Newton’s laws of motion and energy transfer systems

Design thinking, ideation and drawing

Module 3

3x 50min

Students refine their design concepts through the design process, creating a basis of their design ready for prototyping

Cardboard prototyping and design refinement

Module 4

Full Day

Students reassess their designs in reference to the design brief, students then iteratively refine their design by creating full size cardboard prototypes.

CAD Skills and digital Prototyping

Module 5

Full Day

Students learn more advanced CAD skills, creating a digital prototype and utilising prototyping techniques

Design iteration and Pitch preparation

Module 6

1x 50min

Students iterate and refine their concept in CAD before then producing visuals and created a pitch to communicate their design and concept to their class

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 Arduino microprocessors, create 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.

Inclusion Programs

Inclusion Programs

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

Tech Taster

Laser Make

Design and prototype a product using Adobe 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

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.

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