NOW THAT IS A COOL SCHOOL PROJECT
MANUAL arts class has come a long way from the days when making an ashtray for Dad was a staple of every curriculum.
For proof, look no further than these “hand surfers” Southport State High School industrial design students have crafted – and trialled in the surf – as part of their studies.
“Within our faculty we’re very, very lucky that we get to develop curriculum that students just embrace,” Southport State High School head of industrial design John Daniel said.
“If you have the opportunity to design something like the hand surfers and then manufacture them using the technology we have on-site, it makes for a fantastic program.
“The fact students get to not only make them but paddle out and pull into a couple of waves makes their day.”
The Year 11 project involves students using computer software to design and 3D model their own “hand surfer” shapes before manufacturing them on the school’s industrial machine and hand-finishing them.
The surf toys are either manufactured out of recycled polystyrene and laminated with epoxy resign, a la modern surfboards, or made from recycled laminated timber.
“The educational outcomes are quite profound because the program implements a whole bunch of curriculum elements but as part of a project the students can relate to,” Mr Daniel said.
“Our industrial machine also has the capacity to service the public and commercial needs, allowing the students to take on the challenge of designing and machining everything from signage to niche projects in aluminium, plastics, timber and composites.” What about ashtrays? “Well, we’ve still got the plans for them but they’re called (loose) change bowls now,” Mr Daniel laughed. “Still the same design though.”
For more on commercial services, phone John Daniel on 5509 1222.