Chapter Graphic
 : Trend Task: Jar Opener
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Approach: One to one Level: Year 4 and year 8
Focus:   Investigating and evaluating design 
Resources: Jar opener, jar with lid firmly screwed on
468Kb

Questions/instructions:

Give student opener and jar.
This is an opener for helping to get the lids off jars.
You can pick it up and have a good look at it.
You can also try using it on this jar.
Allow time.


% responses
2004 ('00)
y4
y8
1. What is special about the design of the opener that helps open jars?
2. Tell me why it could be easier to open a jar using this tool rather than using your hands.
Teeth - to grip lid, hold it tightly:
feature and use
50 (36)
64 (70)
feature or use
28 (27)
22 (18)
Its materials - to make it strong:
feature and use
3 (4)
3 (3)
feature or use
4 (7)
3 (4)
Includes provision for a wide range of lid sizes:
feature and use
19 (20)
34 (58)
feature or use
10 (11)
13 (6)
Leverage action gives opening power:
feature and use
1 (1)
6 (6)
feature or use
5 (6)
8 (13)
Padded handles - aid comfort/strength of grip:
feature and use
2 (3)
4 (7)
feature or use
9 (10)
15 (14)
Hook for levering off lids:
(e.g. AG lids)
2 (4)
6 (11)
3. The jar opener is a special type of tool called a lever.
Can you think of another tool at home that works like a lever?
Appropriate lever given:
yes – can opener (only)
43 (42)
41 (42)
yes – same type as jar opener (pair of levers hinged at fulcrum)
18 (18)
28 (27)
yes – other type of lever
13 (17)
15 (20)
 
no
26 (23)
16 (11)
Total score: 5–9
6 (4)
15 (27)
4
12 (14)
22 (27)
3
13 (12)
14 (15)
2
35 (25)
32 (19)
1
19 (30)
11 (10)
0
15 (15)
6 (2)
Commentary
While most students identified the importance of the teeth, less than half identified the provision to handle a range of lid sizes, and relatively few identified the padded handle, gripping power from the lever action, or strength of the materials. About 20 percent more year 8 than year 4 students scored four or more. There was little change between 2000 and 2004 for year 4 students, but a small decrease in performance for year 8 students.
 
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