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NSW Education Standards Authority

7–10Engineering Technology 7–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Stage 4

Mechanisms
Engineering principles
  • Describe the function and purpose of mechanisms, including how they operate as part of a system or machine

  • Identify the functional components of a mechanism, such as axles, levers, pulleys, springs, gears and screws

  • Identify and use safe work practices when participating in testing and developing mechanical projects

  • Dismantle and reassemble a mechanism to outline its function

  • Apply scheduling, resource allocation and budgeting to plan and manage a mechanical engineering project

  • Investigate how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples used levers and pulleys

  • Test the mechanical advantage and efficiency of simple machines, including a lever, wheel and axle, pulley, gear and spring

  • Describe key innovations based on simple machines to understand how mechanical engineering has evolved over time

  • Explain how simple machines work together in a mechanical system

  • Identify and apply linear, rotary, oscillating and reciprocating motion in various mechanical devices

  • Use and modify existing designs when completing projects

  • Construct a model of a mechanism that converts circular motion to linear motion

  • Discuss the application of precision measuring tools, such as micrometers and vernier calipers, to ensure accuracy in the production of mechanical parts

  • Calculate quantities and costs of materials and components used in the completion of mechanical projects

  • Investigate the role of mechanical engineering in the development of robotics used in automation

  • Discuss sustainability considerations in mechanical engineering, such as product life cycle and reusability of machine parts

  • Evaluate and use mechanical components to solve an identified problem in practical projects

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

  • Identify the properties of a material, including hardness, machineability and wear resistance, that make it suitable for use in mechanisms

  • Compare the general properties of traditional and modern materials used in manufacturing mechanisms, including metals and composites

  • Apply work hardening and heat treatment processes to modify a range of materials, and test how these processes change the properties of the material

  • Use data to assess the properties of a range of materials to evaluate their performance under identified conditions, such as temperature extremes and corrosive environments

  • Select and assess the suitability of materials used to construct a mechanism for an intended purpose

  • Investigate the effect of friction between materials, including how friction could be either an advantage or disadvantage in a mechanism

  • Test the factors that impact on the corrosion of a mechanical component

  • Outline and apply a range of processes and techniques, such as the application of finishes, to protect mechanical components from corrosion

  • Investigate the role of the waste hierarchy in material selection and use during the production of mechanisms

Mechanical analysis
  • Test a range of simple mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, to determine their efficiency

  • Analyse the functional effect of force and the related output of simple mechanisms, such as levers, pulleys and gears

  • Build and test a working model of a mechanism using appropriate tools and processes

  • Compare the forces acting on a model of a mechanism and assess their efficiency

  • Test and evaluate how mechanical systems relate to and interact with other systems to demonstrate their dependencies on each other

  • Apply an engineering process to produce a functioning mechanism based on mechanical principles

  • Identify and explain the concept of mechanical advantage (MA) in a simple mechanical system

  • Evaluate the use of mechanical elements in projects

Communication
  • Develop an engineering drawing using the AS 1100 for drawing mechanisms

  • Produce a pictorial drawing of a simple mechanical component, such as an isometric or oblique drawing

  • Develop an orthogonal engineering drawing of a mechanical component, including 2 views and dimensions using third-angle projection

  • Apply a sequence of skills to develop an engineering drawing using computer-aided design (CAD) software

  • Produce a parts list to prepare materials for the construction of a mechanism

  • Document material selection and justification, mechanical analysis and test results in an engineering report

  • Create written texts to explain and justify decision-making in the development of a solution

  • Use subject-specific terminology to communicate concepts of engineering mechanisms

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