Year 8 LAC Words
Technology & Design
September
Digital – a system which is based on ‘on’ and ‘off’ switching.
Analogue – a signal that changes smoothly with time such as temperature or light levels.
Feedback – when the output of a process is linked back into its input to help control the output eg a central heating system switches on and off depending on the temperature
Program – a sequence of computer commands to carry out a function
October
Device – an input or output item connected to a computer
Flowchart – a diagram made up of different symbols which help plan a sequence of events. It is used in computer control software.
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) – Using a computer to control manufacture.
Routing – a type of machining to make complex designs
November
Aesthetics – Concepts of beauty and the way things look.
Specification – A number of statements which help describe a product, such as its size, weight, colour, shape, power supply, what it’s made from etc.
Ergonomics – The study of people related to their environment
December
Coping Saw – A saw with a thin blade used for cutting out curved shapes in wood or plastic
Modelling – a way of testing or seeing if things will work or how they will look. This
can often be done on computer./’u
Prototype – Models or products made and used for testing.
Template – A shape used to guide marking out accurately
January
Orthographic – A method of drawing flat views in various positions.
Dimension – A measurement which is added to a drawing of a part to allow you to know what size to make the part ( eg its length, height width etc)
Communication – How you present your ideas and thoughts on paper
February
Product – a name used to describe manufactured goods
Mechanism – a system which changes one type of movement to another type.
Pivot – a turning point eg the hinge of a door
Fulcrum – another name for a pivot
March
Lever – a bar that moves about a pivot
Linkage – a number of levers joined together.
Hardwood – wood which comes from deciduous trees (lose their leaves in Autumn) eg Oak, sycamore
Softwood – wood which comes from evergreen trees e.g pine.
April
Portfolio – a folder containing all the design work and details for a project
Evaluation – Making judgements about designs and products ie what you think about it.
Modification – A change to a product which should help improve something about it.
May
Manifold – compressed air connection block
Pneumatics – The control of devices using air pressure
Pneumatic Cylinder – a component used to produce a linear movement using compressed air.
Valve – similar to a switch and is generally used for turning on/off pneumatic cylinders.