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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

7–10Engineering Technology 7–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Stage 4

Control systems

Content for this focus area is applied using one or more control systems contexts from the following options:

  • Electronic
  • Hydraulic
  • Pneumatic
  • Mechanical.
Engineering principles
  • Identify the types of control systems, including electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical

  • Describe how control systems are used to automate processes, improve efficiency and ensure safety in various applications

  • Define key terms used to describe the input, control and output principles of a range of control systems

  • Outline regulations, codes of practice, safety protocols and standards that apply in the design and production of an identified control system

  • Recognise the importance of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples related to control systems

  • Apply scheduling, resource allocation and budgeting to plan and manage a control system project

  • Identify and apply engineering principles and processes to produce a functioning control system

  • Explain the difference between open-loop and closed-loop control systems

  • Investigate advanced manufacturing methods to understand their applications, advantages and limitations in producing control systems, such as computer numeric control (CNC) machining, laser, plasma, water jet cutting or rapid prototyping

  • Compare renewable and non-renewable resources and explain their advantages and limitations in the design and development of control systems

  • Investigate innovative applications of a range of control systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) devices or robotics technologies, and how these may affect individuals, society or the environment

Option – Electronic

  • Investigate the use of electronic control systems in everyday situations

  • Investigate input and output components used in electronic control systems, such as actuators and controllers

Option – Hydraulic

  • Investigate the use of hydraulic control systems in everyday situations

  • Investigate input and output components used in hydraulic control systems, such as reservoir, pump, valve and actuators

Option – Pneumatic

  • Investigate the use of pneumatic control systems in everyday situations

  • Investigate input and output components used in pneumatic control systems, such as a valve, compressor, regulator and feed line

Option – Mechanical

  • Investigate the use of mechanical control systems in everyday situations

  • Investigate input and output components used in mechanical control systems, such as input force, crank and selector

Materials
  • Apply safe work practices throughout the design, production and testing of models and projects for a control system

  • Explore engineering properties of materials suitable for control systems in relation to strength, toughness and durability

  • Test and evaluate the performance of materials used in control systems to determine if they meet required specifications and standards for safety, reliability and efficiency

  • Evaluate the advantages of the recycling and reuse of materials used in the development of control systems

  • Investigate and evaluate the processes used in the recycling of materials, such as metals or polymers

Option – Electronic

  • Test the electrical properties of materials, such as conductivity and resistance, to identify their application in a control system

Option – Hydraulic

  • Test the hydraulic properties of materials, such as resistance to pressure and fluids, to identify their application in a control system

Option – Pneumatic

  • Test the pneumatic properties of materials, such as resistance to pressure and fluids, to identify their application in a control system

Option – Mechanical

  • Test the mechanical properties of materials, such as resistance to wear and fatigue, to identify their application in a control system

Systems analysis
  • Use an engineering process to produce a functioning control system

  • Use collaborative work practices to improve efficiencies in a control system project

  • Design, construct and test a control system for a specific purpose using appropriate components and considering differences between inputs and outputs

  • Use a range of equipment, hand and power tools, and machines in the construction of projects or working models in control systems

  • Test control systems to determine efficiency

  • Assess the integration of motors in control systems to improve efficiency

  • Document troubleshooting processes and solutions to maintain a clear record of issues and their resolutions

Option – Electronic

  • Test the fundamental principles of electricity, such as voltage, current and resistance, in series and parallel circuits, to explain how they are applied in the functioning of electronic control systems

  • Use a multimeter to test an electronic circuit to measure voltage and current and to determine resistance

Option – Hydraulic

  • Test the fundamental principles of hydraulics, such as fluid pressure and flow, to explain how they are applied in the functioning of hydraulic control systems

  • Test a hydraulic system using a pressure gauge to assess the integrity of hoses and components

Option – Pneumatic

  • Test the fundamental principles of pneumatics, such as air pressure and volume, to explain how they are applied in the functioning of pneumatic control systems

  • Test a pneumatic system using a pressure gauge to assess the integrity of hoses and components

Option – Mechanical

  • Test the fundamental principles of mechanics, such as force, motion and energy, to explain how they are applied in the functioning of mechanical control systems

  • Use a block and tackle to test a mechanical system to determine the relationship between load and effort to explain mechanical advantage

Communication
  • Produce annotated sketches of project components to visualise, communicate, understand and record ideas to develop a control system project

  • Develop, read and interpret technical diagrams to prepare materials for the production of a control system project

  • Modify and apply appropriate engineering drawings in the completion of a control system project

  • Create written texts to explain and evaluate factors that influence the design and engineering of control systems

  • Use subject-specific terminology to communicate concepts of control systems

  • Explain control system relationships using block diagrams

  • Document material selection and justification, systems analysis and test results in an engineering report when developing a control system solution

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