Developing information skills and system thinking: a resource-based approach to electronic control systems

This paper describes a curriculum development project that addresses the following issue: is it possible to engage pupils in procedures for developing an electronic control system which mirror those of professional engineering? In particular, two key aspects of professional practice were felt to be of critical importance. Firstly, engineers spend a great deal of time evaluating the potential of devices using data sheets. A major part of the development was concerned with developing data sheets for the units of a commercially available electronics systems kit. Secondly the development sought to emphasise system thinking by encouraging pupils to systematically plan their overall system, investigate possible sub-systems, conduct practical investigations and, only then, explore the detailed components required. The paper describes the outcome of the extensive school trials and presents the published materials.