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The Last Mile

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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.
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Find out more

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Paul D’Orio – Manager STEM Programs

E: pdorio@gordontafe.edu.au

P: 52250736

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