Technology Association of South Africa for Teachers and Educators
Classroom

As Technology involves hands on work and is practical in its nature a wide variety of materials need to be used throughout the year: wood, plastic (containers, polystyrene containers, sheets of perspex, sheets of pastic), metal (wire, cans and tins), cardboard (boxes, containers, sheets of various thicknesses), textiles, food products, other materials.
The Technology Teacher must have a working knowledge of tools, equipment, materials and especially the Technological Processes and concepts.
Before buying materials find out:
- What materials do you have at school?
- What needs to be collected or bought for each project?
- What books will need to be obtained to give you information about the materials?
- Who will supply these materials?

The learners when working with materials should be

- Taught to appreciate the variety and nature of tools, equipment and materials and the ways in which they may be used and worked.
- Encouraged through the creative use of materials develop initiative and a range of thinking and practical problem solving skills.
- Exposed to a range of materials to provide them with a sensory experience of a visual and tactile nature.
- Motivated to appreciate and consider the particular qualities of common materials.
- Exposed to a variety of constructional activities which will encourage an understanding of simple technological principles.
- Taught to appreciate the safe and appropriate use of certain tools and develop skills in their use.
- Taught to use all materials economically and sparingly.

Remember adequate space needs to be provided, with sufficient storage, for the materials the learners are using or the materials that are “waiting” to be used.

 Equipment to Consider for A Technology Classroom:

The equipment list is for use by a group of 30 learners. Cost will determine, to some extent, the quantity of equipment bought.
Good quality equipment is preferable, as it will last longer.
The quantity of each item is indicated.
Column 1: The ideal, if cost is no problem
Column 2: Necessary for implementing most activities
Column 3: Needed
Column 4: Suggested for small group-work in a classroom (about 8 learners)


 

General:

1

2

3

4

Electrical:

1

2

3

4

Metal safety rule (30cm)

 

15

10

3

Scroll saw

2

1

 

 

Metal Ruler (80 cm)

4

2

 

 

Pillar drill & set of hole cutters

2

1

 

 

3m tape measure

3

2

1

 

Hand drill with stand

2

1

 

 

Tri-square

10

3

 

 

Narrow upright belt sander

1

 

 

 

Vernier callipers

1

 

 

 

Soldering irons

15

10

4

2

Bench vice (engineers - medium)

15

8

 

 

Polystyrene hot wire cutter

2

1

 

 

Bench vice  (engineers - small)

 

 

8

1

Strip heater

1

 

 

 

Bench hooks (can be made)

15

8

8

2

Vacuum moulder

1

 

 

 

G Clamps (4)

20

15

4

2

Kitchen

 

 

 

 

Pliers - general purpose

10

8

4

1

Measuring spoons & cups (set)

15

4

1

1

Pliers - long nose

10

8

4

1

Scales - weighing

1

1

 

 

Combination pliers

10

4

1

1

Kitchen knives (large & vegetable)

15

8

4

1

Side cutters

15

8

 

1

Cutting boards

15

8

4

1

Stapler

6

2

1

1

Spoons - metal

15

8

4

1

Saws - hack

5

1

1

 

             - wooden

15

8

4

1

        - junior hack

30

15

8

2

Egg beater

15

8

1

1

        - coping

15

10

8

2

Mixing bowls (1 small, 1 large)

15

8

4

1

        - panel (if no electric saw)

1

1

 

 

Sieve

15

3

 

1

scissors

30

15

10

3

Grater

15

8

2

1

Tin snips

10

4

2

1

Cooking pots (sets of 3)

15

8

2

1

Wire stripper

10

8

 

1

Two plate / gas cooker

8

4

2

1

Craft knife

15

15

8

2

Small oven

6

2