Techtalk t2 2016

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1 © State of New South Wales, Department of Educaon 2016 Welcome to the TAS/Technologies e-Newsletter The TECHTalk e-Newsletter is designed to support teachers of all TAS/Technology subjects Years 7—12. Term 2, 2016 TECH TECH talk talk

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TECHtalk Newsletter Term 2 2016

Transcript of Techtalk t2 2016

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Welcome to the TAS/Technologies

e -Newsletter The TECHTalk e-Newsletter is designed to support

teachers of all TAS/Technology subjects Years 7—12.

Term 2, 2016 TE

CH

TE

CHtalktalk

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Inside this issueInside this issue

Laser Engravers 3-4

Laser Engraver Safety 5

Laser FAQs 6

Biosecurity and feed storage 7

Agriculture and Food Week 8

STEM Showcase 9

Rural and Remote Conference 10

Updated anaphylaxis resource 11

TAS Leadership Network 12

Archibull Competition 13

Contacts 14

Term 2, 2016

I have devoted a few pages in this issue to the use of laser engravers. I have used laser engrav-

ers in schools and have found them extremely valuable in teaching across a range of TAS sub-

jects. Laser engravers have the advantage of a higher throughput than 3D printers, that can

take hours to produce even simple projects. It is also quite easy for students to develop basic

skills, with only a couple of lessons needed to produce their first simple product. Once students

have the basics, they are eager to design more complex projects and can easily test and modify

their products due to the fast and economical production process.

Unfortunately laser engravers are an expensive investment and a few schools have purchased

machines that are not on the Department contract. This poses a significant safety risk and ex-

poses the teachers and principal to legal action and prosecution in the event of an injury.

Please read this article thoroughly so you don’t put yourself or your students at risk.

There are a number of opportunities coming up, including the STEM showcase. The showcase

will feature the STEM modules developed in the schools that participated in the Stage 4 inte-

grated STEM project. Register early as it will be open to all educational sectors and there are

limited places. The Rural and Remote Conference 2016, is also in week four this term and is a

great way for those schools outside the Sydney metropolitan area to access some great PL.

Enjoy Term 2. I will hopefully see you at one of the events, meetings or conferences this year.

Dan Rytmeister

TAS Advisor

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

LASER ENGRAVERS

You have probably heard about laser engravers and how much they can

enhance teaching in TAS and other subjects. Unfortunately they are a big

expense for a school and many are weighing up the benefits compared to

the cost. This article will give a few examples of how they are used in schools

and discuss the advantages of using Laser Technology in

your school. The second part of this article refers to the

safety aspects of laser engravers and is a MUST READ if

you are considering a purchase.

What do they do? Laser engravers use a high powered laser in an enclosed

cabinet to cut and engrave materials. Designs can be

created on a computer in a graphics program and “printed”

to the laser engraver. Cutting and engraving is controlled by

line thickness and colour using both raster and vector

graphics.

Are they safe? With proper training, maintenance and

supervision, the laser engravers on the

Department Machine Tools Contract are

quite safe. These are good quality

machines that have quality interlocks and

screening that prevent exposure to laser

radiation. The biggest risks on these

machines are fire and fumes. Fumes can

be managed with suitable ventilation or

filtering and by ensuring particular

materials are not used. The risk of fire is

reduced through appropriate training in how to avoid the situation and how

to manage a fire if it starts in the machine.

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Who can use it? Equipment Safety in Schools indicates

that students Year 7 and upwards can

use the machine after completing a

safety test. Controls vary slightly as

students get older.

What can I do with it? Laser engravers have applications in all TAS subject areas as well as applications

in other KLAs. Here are some examples:

Technology Mandatory: Students could

start with a simple acrylic key tag using

graphics downloaded from the internet.

Students then design their own graphics

and shapes and complete other design

challenges.

Food: design your own food moulds or

engrave food such as chocolate and fruit.

Textiles: Cutting out patterns and “engraving” images in denim. Create buttons

and other embellishments.

Industrial Technology: Add decorations by engraving materials or cut veneers to

intricate shapes for marquetry.

Graphics: bring designs and models to life

to test developments by cutting shapes in

paper or acrylic.

There are many websites with project

ideas. Here are a couple of examples:

http://www.wired.com/2013/02/10-laser-cutter-

projects/

http://www.hotpopfactory.com/blog/

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

LASER ENGRAVER SAFETY

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION BEFORE PURCHASING A LASER

ENGRAVER.

Laser engravers can be very dangerous. The Asset Management Directorate

has risk assessed a number of Laser Engraving machines and has approved

four machines for use in schools. The process of selecting equipment for the

contract takes into account the equipment’s:

Safety

Quality

Provision of training and ongoing

support

Availability of maintenance and parts

SCHOOLS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO

PURCHASE LASER ENGRAVERS FROM THE DoE CONTRACT SUPPLIER.

Principals were issued the memorandum DN/14/00109 in November 2014

reminding them of their responsibility. Specifically, “Principals are advised

that use of this contract is mandated and is specifically excluded from

alternative methods of procurement including the Local Schools, Local

Decisions Policy purchasing arrangements “.

THE POLICY PROTECTS YOU

Many of the cheaper engravers available on the market do not meet the

safety and quality requirements of the Department. The use of these

machines in schools increases the risk and puts you and your principal at risk

of legal action and prosecution in the event of an injury. Following the DoE

policy will protect you in the event of injury.

Advice on the safe use of Laser Engravers in schools is provided in

Equipment Safety In Schools and this advice must be followed.

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

LASER FAQs Q. I saw a laser engraver that looks like the contract one but is a lot cheaper. Can I buy it?

A. No. Memorandum DN/14/00109 is a reminder to Principals that they can only buy this type of equipment from

the contract. Requests to purchase equipment that is not on contract are unlikely to be approved. Generally by

the time the cheaper model is risk assessed, modified and training is provided it can end up costing more.

Q. I saw a laser that had a pass through door so you could engrave larger items. Can I buy it?

A. No. Once the enclosure is opened it becomes a class 4 laser and can easily leak radiation that could cause an

injury. Class 4 lasers have been banned in Department schools due to the significantly higher risk.

Q. What can I cut and engrave with the laser?

A. The 30W laser can cut paper, fabrics, leather. It can also cut wood up to 7.5mm and acrylic up to 11mm. The

50W model can cut wood up to 9.5mm and acrylic up to 13mm. Materials such as PVC emit toxic and corrosive

gasses and must not be used. This will be covered in the training provided when you purchase the machine.

The school approved machines will not cut metals but can engrave the anodising on aluminium.

Q. How easy is it to use the laser engraver?

A. The laser engraver is operated like a printer from a computer except there are elements in the image that

control cutting or engraving. Generally a year 7 class can produce a simple item within a few of lessons.

Q. How fast do they operate?

A. Compared to a 3D printer, they are very fast. Small items such as a key tag could take a minute or two and it is

easy to have multiple small projects in the machine at a time. More complex projects can take longer but

generally the throughput is much higher than a 3D printer.

Q. What are the dangers of laser engravers?

A. Exposure to laser radiation, exposure to fumes and the risk of fire.

Radiation: The maximum power of lasers permitted in DoE schools is 50W. Any radiation that leaks from

the cabinet can cause burns and permanent damage to eyes. Radiation can escape from cabinets through

reflection, inadequate filtering on covers, poor quality interlocks (switches) or interlocks that can be easily

defeated. The engravers on the Department contract have been assessed for their quality and reliability.

Fumes: the fumes from cutting and engraving operations can be toxic. Adequate extraction and ventilation

or filtering is required.

Fire: There is always the risk of a fire starting inside the machine. The training provided includes procedures

to follow that minimise the risk in the event of a fire. Laser engravers require supervision while operating.

Q. What do I need to consider when installing a Laser Engraver?

A. The machine needs to be located near an external wall or window that will allow fixed ducting to vent fumes

safely away from where people could be exposed. If this is not possible you can purchase a filtration unit but

these are expensive to maintain. The machine also requires a power outlet with keyed isolation to prevent

unauthorised access.

Q. What are the ongoing maintenance and costs?

A. You need to keep the mirrors and lenses clean. These should be cleaned at least once a week and takes around

3 minutes. Ongoing expenses include:

Annual service to check operation and focus, usually below $500.

The laser unit may need a service after 3-5 years. This could be $3000.

If reflective mirrors and lenses go missing or are damaged they cost several hundred dollars to replace.

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

BIOSECURITY and FEED STORAGE

What are the issues?

Ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats cannot have feed that

could contains Restricted Animal Material (RAM). Poultry feed

and cattle feed can look very similar but it is common to find RAM

in poultry feed. The consumption of RAM by ruminants can lead to

mad cow disease and is in breach of the Livestock Production

Assurance (LPA) and Biosecurity legislation.

Schools need to take measures to ensure food containing

RAM is not accidently fed to ruminants. This can occur if

students use the wrong feeds or there is cross contamination

between storage containers.

Some schools are only purchasing poultry feed that does not

contain RAM but this is not common commercial practice and

takes away an opportunity to educate students about the

importance of feed separation.

Some schools have been audited by MLA for compliance

with LPA and were directed to improve their feed

storage facilities. The Department sought clarification

from AUS-MEAT Limited and received the following

advice:

“Schools need to have a storage system

that demonstrates and prevents feed types becoming mixed/

combined so that there is no chance animals are fed the wrong feed

type that can lead to a potential food safety/biosecurity situation”.

What should schools do?

Ensure feeds are clearly labelled and separated in such a way that cross contamination

cannot occur when filling bins.

Educate students and staff about the risk of mixing feeds and the importance of separation.

Keep a record of feed batch numbers to ensure traceability.

Store feed in dry, vermin proof containers.

Do not give food scraps to ruminants.

RAM (Restricted Animal Material) is: … meat, meat and bone meal, blood meal, poul-

try offal meal, feather meal, fishmeal or any oth-

er animal; meals or manure.

It does not include: … tallow, gelatine, milk and milk products.

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Agriculture and Food Week

Agriculture and Food Week is a recommendation of the Review into

Agricultural Education and Training in NSW.

The aim of Agriculture and Food Week is to celebrate and appreciate the

roles agriculture and food make to the health, wealth and wellbeing of

society.

The site has been designed to stimulate teaching and learning ideas that can

engage students and help them develop an interest in the origins of food.

Embedding these ideas into integrated learning activities may provide

opportunities for practical and authentic life-long learning for students.

Both the primary and secondary sections contain drop down menus for each

of the learning areas.

Teachers are encouraged to make comment about the existing stimulus

ideas and contribute their own ideas. It is envisaged that this site will further

develop to become a comprehensive collection of teaching and learning

strategies over time.

http://www.learning.schools.nsw.edu.au/foodagweek/

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NSW Department of Education

Secondary Schools STEM Showcase

Wednesday 22 June at the Hilton Sydney

The NSW Department of Education Secondary Schools STEM Showcase will be held on Wednesday 22 June at the Hilton Sydney.

During 2015, 28 schools participated in the Stage 4 Integrated STEM Project. Each of these schools developed an individual, interdisciplinary approach to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Since then, a further eight schools have been selected to work as Action Schools in STEM Education. This conference will showcase the programs developed by the

project schools. The Showcase aims to inspire school leaders and teachers, enhance STEM pedagogy and demonstrate innovative programs for school

communities.

We look forward to seeing you and your school team at the NSW Department of Education Secondary Schools STEM Showcase.

Registration for the conference is via the link

https://www.regodirect.com.au/stemshowcase/.

This event has been communicated in SchoolBiz where further information can be found.

Registrations are now open and will close Wednesday 15 June.

For further inquiries contact: [email protected]

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REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Seize the opportunities and the possibilities and attend the

RURAL AND REMOTE CONFERENCE 2016

Tuesday 17 May – Wednesday 18 May, 2016

Mt Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst

This conference aims to:

• Share innovative pedagogies

• Demonstrate new and emerging technologies

• Explore the impact of current and imminent educational reforms

• Celebrate educational transformation

• Deliver engaging learning through ‘hands-on’ experiences

• Showcase local and international research

For further information or to register, please visit

www.rde.nsw.edu.au/randrconf2016/

Registrations close 11 May 2016

….…. Building bridges, building futures ……….

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Updated anaphylaxis resource

Food Preparation and Sharing – A student

resource Annual face to face anaphylaxis

training is now mandatory in all

schools and generally TAS

faculties have been very

compliant with the new policies

regarding the use of nuts and

nut products in school activities.

While we can control what

teachers use in class and in

extracurricular activities, we

cannot necessarily control what food students bring to school.

An online resource designed to educate students about the risks of

anaphylaxis was developed in 2012. The Department of Education updated

this resource to include:

removal of flash content and conversion to html 5 to ensure compatibility

with current devices and browsers including IOS systems.

restoration of broken links.

Teachers use the Anaphylaxis - Food Preparation and

sharing resource with classes to help students

understand anaphylaxis, learn how to identify

symptoms of an attack and learn what to do if one of

their friends has a reaction. It is particularly useful in

food preparation areas and schools where there are

known anaphylactic students.

I highly recommend the use of this resource with

your students.

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

TAS Leadership Network Do you need some advice or support with your teaching?

The TAS Leadership Network is a group of experienced teachers

advising and mentoring other DoE TAS teachers statewide.

If you are a teacher and would like some advice or mentoring, please

complete the EOI and you will be linked with one of our TAS leaders.

The TAS leaders have undergone an induction and ongoing training to ensure

they provide advice that is consistent with DoE policies. They have

experience in the full range of TAS subjects including Agriculture, Textiles,

Food, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Design and Technology, Graphics

and Computing subjects.

When you complete the EOI you will be asked which subjects you are

teaching and the areas of support you are seeking. You will then be matched

up to the most appropriate leader for support.

How to apply:

discuss with your supervisor and

principal

complete the EOI online.

Teacher EOI https://goo.gl/IYodZI

Other opportunities for participants:

In Semester 2 there will be online master classes in particular subjects.

These will be open to all teachers in the TAS Leadership Network.

EOI

OPEN

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

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© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

TAS/Technologies curriculum contact:

Dan Rytmeister TAS Advisor Learning and Teaching NSW Department of Education Level 3, 1 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 2010, NSW T: (02) 9266 8514

[email protected]

If you would like to be added to our TAS/Technology communication network please

send me your details.

If you do not want to receive future communications please

remove me from communication network

If you have feedback or suggestions for professional development or future articles

please send me an email.

The non-DoE products and events listed in this e-Newsletter are to be used at the reader’s discretion. The inclusion of product and event information is not an

endorsement by the Department.

We would love you to join us on our

Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/technologies.curriculum