Books: GCSE Engineering


GCSE Engineering is a book designed to cover the core units of the new double-award vocational GCSE in Engineering. The book uses a starightforward activity-based approach introducing students to engineering and the pivotal role it plays in the modern world. The book covers all the three units that make up the Engineering GCSE double award programme. One chapter is devoted to each unit and each chapter contains text, key points,  ‘test your knowledge’ questions, activities, case studies and review questions. The ‘test your knowledge’ questions are interspersed with the text throughout the book. These questions allow students to check their understanding of  the preceding text. They also provide learners with an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned and consolidate this in manageable chunks. The case studies are used to show how the very latest technology is applied to the design and manufacture of a wide variety of engineered products.

Most test your knowledge questions can be answered in only a few minutes and the necessary information can be gleaned from the surrounding text. Activities, on the other hand, require a significantly greater amount of time to complete. Furthermore, they often  require additional library or resource area research coupled with access to computing and other information technology resources.

Activities are the means by which students generate the portfolio evidence needed to satisfy the assessment requirements for Units 1 and 2 (note that Unit 3 is assessed by means of a written examination). As they work through this book, students should undertake a programme of activities directed and supported by a teacher or lecturer. Students are not expected to complete all of the activities in the book however teachers and lecturers are expected to ensure that those activities that an individual student undertakes will generate ample assessment evidence. Activities also make excellent vehicles for gathering the evidence that can be used to demonstrate that you are competent in core skills.

Case studies are introduced in Unit 3. Case studies deal with the following topics; Databases: The Internet and World Wide Web: Computer aided engineering: GPS receivers: Optical fribres: Polymers: Composite materials: Microprocessors: Remotely operated vehicles: Microprocessor systems: Programmable logic controllers: Compact disks.

The text, case studies, activities and review questions are designed to encourage students to explore engineering for themselves through a variety of different learning experiences. The practical process of designing and building a product offers the chance to develop the skills of engineering drawing, basic electronics, and workshop techniques. Case studies, research work using the internet, and other sources introduce the wide variety of engineering sectors and employment, from the aerospace industry to telecommunications.

 
Contents

Preface; Introduction for students; Introduction for tutors; Unit 1: Design and graphical communication - The design process: Design briefs: Generating ideas: Design specifications and solutions: Engineering drawing: Engineering drawing techniques: Presenting a design solution; Unit 2: Engineered products - Specifications: Production planning: Choosing materials, parts and components: Making engineered products: Health and safety; Unit 3: Application of technology - Manufacturing and engineering sectors: New technology: Case studies: Investigating products; Answers to Test Your Knowledge questions; Index

Readership: Engineering GCSE students in FE colleges and secondary schools following the Edexcel or OCR syllabus.

ISBN: 0750656441     Paperback
Line Illustrations: 360    Halftones: 20
Measurements: 264 x 195 mm
Pages: 288

Publication Date: 16 September 2002

Price: £14.99

Click here to go to the Newnes Web Site for further details and on-line ordering

Click here to download and view an extract from Unit 3 in Adobe Acrobat format (1.5 MB)

Home

  Copyright © 2002 Mike Tooley - All rights reserved.