Systems Engineering

In Year 9 Systems Engineering, students learn and explore the entry-level Mechanical principles and Electronics concepts. They perform basic calculations and apply engineering concepts to create Engineering solutions using the VEX Robot kit, 3D Printing technology, and a Microbit programming kit.

The course covers topics in Mechanical and Electro-technological Systems. Students gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills through theoretical study and practical projects, preparing them for further Year 10 studies and VCE studies in engineering and technology. In partaking in the design process, students consider the suitability of their ideas, designed solutions and processes. They communicate and document their projects and work both independently and collaboratively during the production process, and adjust plans when necessary 

What You Will Learn

• Mechanical Advantage and Classical Simple Machines (Gears, Levers and Other Mechanisms) 
• Interpretation and creation of Engineering diagrams and sketches 
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D modelling/printing 
• Elementary Electronics, including circuit design, electronic components and Ohm’s law.  
• Introduction to coding electronic circuits (Microbit platform) 
• How to develop a project from initial design to a testable prototype to a final evaluated design.   

Term 1

Specific concepts covered this term: Mechanical Advantage, Simple Machines, CAD and 3D printing 

Ways you’ll learn these concepts include Practical building, testing and evaluating a variety of classical machines, performing calculations, and utilising CAD software to design 3D models. 

How you’ll show your learning this term: working individually and in small groups to produce testable models of simple machines using the VEX technology platform. You will also design and produce a variety of solutions to design challenges using both practical materials and digital platforms.  

Term 2

• Specific concepts covered this term: Fundamentals of electricity, electronic components, Ohm’s Law, and coding of electronic devices (Micro bit platform) 
• Ways you’ll learn these concepts include performing calculations to explore the applications of Ohm’s law, investigating a variety of electronic components, and coding both physical and digital electronic circuits.  
• How you’ll show your learning this term: working individually and in small groups to produce testable models of electronic circuits (both physical circuits and digital simulations). You will also design and produce a variety of solutions to design challenges using both practical materials and digital platforms.  

Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Design and Production of a Gear Box using Computer-Aided Design and 3D printing 

Assessment 2: Development of coded solutions to a variety of challenges using the Microbit platform 

Future School Pathways

VCE General

• Systems Engineering
• Physics
• Product Design

VCE VET Certificates

• VCE VET Engineering
• VCE VET Electrotechnology