Design Challenge
Autocrops

Program Overview

In our constantly developing world, the need for more efficient, sustainable and automated ways of living is becoming even more important. In this Design Challenge, students take on the role of product designers, engaged by local entrepreneurs at Farmwall.

Year Level

Year 7-12

Prework

5-7 Hours

Duration

Term 1 - 4

Days

2 Days

Capacity

50 students
Make a Booking
More Information:

If you would like more information about this program, drop us a line at:

banyulenillumbikts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
9269 1057

Industry Focus

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Advanced Manufacturing

Industry Partner

Farmwall Logo

Farmwall

This innovative company have developed an urban farming solution for the home, allowing users to grow healthy microgreen crops in a fun and convenient way. Students will learn about zero waste growing, aquaponic and hydroponic care, using manufacturing techniques to develop prototypes that automate parts of the Farmwall Home system.

These designs will have the potential to make growing food at home more efficient, unlocking hours of free time previously spent in maintaining the system, helping transform homes into automated food producing ecosystems.

Success Criteria

  • Students are able to communicate the key advantages of automated farming systems
  • Students can collaborate effectively to create solutions to identified problems​
  • Students can consider a range of tools, technologies and specialist equipment
Curriculum Area
Science
Technology
Arts and Drama
Mathematics
English
Humanities
Health
Critical and Creative Thinking
Personal Social Capability
Intercultural Capability
Ethical Capability
Curriculum Area
Science
Design and Technology
Digital Technologies
Dance
Music
Media Arts
Visual Communication Design
Visual Arts
Mathematics
English
EAL
Civics and Citizenship
Economics and Business
Geography
History
Movement and Physical Activity
Personal, Social and Community
Critical and Creative Thinking
Personal Social Capability
Intercultural Capability
Ethical Capability
Year 7-8
-
Y
Y
-
-
-
Y
-
Y
Y
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Y
Y
-
-
Year 9-10
-
Y
Y
-
-
-
Y
-
Y
Y
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Y
Y
-
Y

Two Day Program Schedule

Prework

5-7 Hours
Students complete an analysis of FarmWall and the urban farming landscape to gain insight to the challenges faced by urban farming

Day One

Ideation
On day one at the Tech School, students start by ideating on their prework and begin their prototyping phase of the design thinking process by creating a How Can We statement

Day Two

Prototyping
On day two, students dive deeper into prototyping using the skills gained during their first day onsite at the Tech School to respond to their How Can We statement

Post Visit

After visiting the Tech School, students review their time spent onsite and reflect on the skills they have learned

Prework

5-7 Hours
Students complete an analysis of FarmWall and the urban farming landscape to gain insight to the challenges faced by urban farming

Day One

Ideation
On day one at the Tech School, students start by ideating on their prework and begin their prototyping phase of the design thinking process by creating a How Can We statement

Day Two

Prototyping
On day two, students dive deeper into prototyping using the skills gained during their first day onsite at the Tech School to respond to their How Can We statement

Post Visit

After visiting the Tech School, students review their time spent onsite and reflect on the skills they have learned
Note: Schedule is approximate. On site activities at the Tech School may be affected if sufficient pre-work has not been completed
Technology Skill Ups Available
Hardware Icon

Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are widely used to power small form factor devices. This skill up will introduce students to microcontrollers and how to program them to suit their functional requirements.

Student Start Up Greensborough Sept2018-105

Computer Aided Design

3D Modelling using industry current software to design virtual prototypes prior to physical production using 3D Printers or Computer Numeric Control machines

Technology Light

Sensor Technology

From automatic doors to step counters, sensor technology is widely used across society. The sensor technology skill up will provide the skills required to create fixed or wearable sensor devices to meet the determined design requirements.

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Mobile App Development

Introduction to mobile app design fundamentals including planning for an app, creating layouts, considering the user experience and prototyping functionality