7–10Engineering Technology 7–10 Syllabus
The new Engineering Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.
2025 and 2026 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027 – Start teaching the new syllabus
School sectors are responsible for implementing syllabuses and are best placed to provide schools with specific guidance and information on implementation given their understanding of their individual contexts.
Content
Stage 5
Content for this focus area is applied using one or more control systems contexts from the following options:
- Electronic
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Mechanical.
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
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
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
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