Grade 7 · Grade 7: Systems & Programming · Inputs, Outputs and Sensors
Inputs, Outputs and Sensors
Designing a system that responds to light, sound, temperature or touch.
Learning objectives
- Use design terminology to explain inputs, outputs and sensors within the MYP design cycle.
- Apply the design cycle to this context: designing a system that responds to light, sound, temperature or touch.
- Test the solution against success criteria and explain one justified improvement.
NGSS alignment
DSN.7.D3
Construct a logical making plan, use technical skills safely and accurately, document changes and present the solution as a whole. At Grade 7 students choose their own research methods and record sources independently.
DSN.7.D2
Write a testable design specification, generate and present a range of feasible ideas, justify the chosen design and produce accurate planning drawings. At Grade 7 students choose their own research methods and record sources independently.
DSN.7.D4
Design detailed testing methods, evaluate the solution against the specification, explain improvements and describe the impact on the client or audience. At Grade 7 students choose their own research methods and record sources independently.
DSN.7.D5
Use technology, data and sources responsibly and weigh sustainability, accessibility and the human consequences of design decisions. At Grade 7 students choose their own research methods and record sources independently.
MYP criteria
- Criterion B — Developing ideas
- Criterion C — Creating the solution
- Criterion D — Evaluating
ENGAGE
Inquiring and analysing
Start from the real situation: Designing a system that responds to light, sound, temperature or touch. Record what you notice, who the user is and what evidence you still need, then write the need for a solution in one sentence.
Think about it
Who is this solution for, and how will you know it actually works for them?
Hint: Separate what you observed from what you assumed, and name your sources.
EXPLAIN
Developing ideas
The MYP design cycle has four stages: inquiring and analysing, developing ideas, creating the solution, and evaluating. Each stage leaves evidence in your process journal.
From research to specification
- Turn research findings into success criteria that can be measured or tested.
- Sketch or model several feasible ideas instead of committing to the first one.
- Justify the chosen idea against the specification, not by preference.
- Produce planning drawings, diagrams or flowcharts another person could follow.
Design in context
Consider Qatar's climate, materials, languages and community when you design. Respect privacy, permission and copyright whenever you use images, data or other people's work.
INVESTIGATION
Creating the solution
Plan a logical making sequence with time and resources, then build your prototype. Photograph each stage, record every change you make and explain why you made it.
REFLECT
Evaluating
Design a test for each success criterion, run it and record the results. Judge honestly whether the solution succeeded, explain one improvement and describe the impact on the client or target audience.
Interactive practice · organizer
Design cycle organizer
Complete each stage of the design cycle before you write your evaluation.
Need
The need for a solution, in one sentence, with evidence
Plan
Making plan with steps, time and resources
Ideas
Two or more feasible ideas, and why you chose one
Testing
Test method and result for each criterion
Research
Primary and secondary research, with sources
Improvement
One justified improvement and its impact
Specification
Three to five testable success criteria
Your answer
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Key vocabulary
- Iteration
- Improving a design by testing it, learning from the result and changing it.
- Design specification
- The testable success criteria a solution must meet.
- Design brief
- A short statement of the problem, the user and what the solution has to do.
MYP criterion tasks
Level 2 · Criterion D
Explain how your solution for "Inputs, Outputs and Sensors" meets its design specification, then evaluate one limitation using evidence from your testing.
Reflect & track
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