This module will develop students' ability to organise and direct advanced practical project work in Technology Education. The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply a range of skills in the context of the senior cycle Construction Studies curriculum. This will be achieved through analysing the practical project work, and engaging in case studies on historical and contemporary designers. This module will allow students to further develop their craft based skillset to the articulation and naturalisation stages through the medium of practical project work and cognate skills. Knowledge, skills, values and attitudes appropriate to the teaching of senior cycle Technological Education will be developed in this module. Students will develop critical evaluation skills through real-world problems. In addition, this module will highlight the importance of promoting individuality, innovation and creativity through experiential problem-driven project activities.

Need finding; Problem definition and clarification design briefs¿ concept generation, development, testing and realisation. Communication of design and associated elements for senior cycle students. Principles of Good Design. Sustainability and materials. Joint design and testing. Advanced processing techniques: jointing, shaping, bending, lamination. Surface preparation and finishing. Safe use of tools and equipment. Organisation and management of project work. Fostering creativity in real-world problem project activities. Assessment procedures and criteria for design project work. Presentation techniques. Design portfolios. Project management for the coordination of design and make activities for senior cycle students.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Engage in need finding to develop an understanding for historical and contemporary design. • Select appropriate jointing, processing and finishing techniques for materials used in the modelling and realisation of design ideas and solutions. • Identify critical issues that will impact on the organisation and management of design related activities and present a strategic plan for of the effective management of design project work.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Appreciate the value of design and craft based activity in the holistic development of the second level student. • Show consideration for ecological and environmental consequences of project design and realisation. • Develop a sense of confidence, personal achievement and satisfaction through the successful design and realisation of a large scale project.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate presentation media for the communication of conceptual design ideas. • Apply a range of manufacturing technologies in wood processing and design, with a regard for issues of health and safety. • Demonstrate a high level of advanced craft skills in the processing and finishing of wood and composite materials.

The module will be taught using traditional lecture format supported by demonstrable integration of learning through experiential laboratory experiences. Practical laboratory sessions will focus on an autonomous professional to demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate presentation media for the communication of conceptual design ideas. Experiential and student-led problem driven project work will develop student's capacity and skills in the context of practical project work in Construction Studies. Through self-reflection students will conduct an appropriate analysis of a product or component identifying the key consideration for in use performance. Students will also conduct comparative analysis between traditional and contemporary jointing and framing techniques.