Product analysis

Combat helmets, waterproofs and camouflage clothing

Synopsis

This lesson helps students to prepare for their product design examinations and coursework. Students are required to complete a product analysis of military combat helmets, waterproofs and camouflage clothing. Using video, images and information about materials and manufacturing processes, students are provided with an interesting context to evaluate military products against their vital purpose of protecting and empowering soldiers in combat. Working in a group, they will present their recommendations for improvement by designing their own unrivalled combat clothing and kit for the soldier of the future.

MOD Topic

Combat helmets, waterproofs and camouflage clothing

Curriculum Checklist

3: c.
4: b, d.
6: a.

Curriculum Links

• ICT
• English
• Art and design
• DT Textiles
• DT Resistant materials
• History

Prior Knowledge

Limited prior knowledge for this lesson is required as it can be used as a self contained unit. Pupils will produce a more effective analysis if they have previous knowledge of users and customers, product specification and quality assurance.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Understand the term 'product analysis' and be able to talk about an example of military clothing or kit.
• Be able to write a product analysis with guidance.
• Have some understanding of the main manufacturing processes and materials used to make British military clothing or kit.
• Feel able to identify some positive and negative aspects about the product.
• Produce creative designs for future combat kit.

Average ability students will:

• Understand the term 'product analysis' and be able to talk about an example of military clothing or kit in some detail.
• Understand what features to analyse when writing about a product.
• Be able to identify the main manufacturing processes and materials used to make British military clothing or kit.
• Feel able to express their opinions and constructive comments about the product.
• Produce creative and functional designs for future combat kit.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand the term 'product analysis' and be able to talk about features and functions of military clothing and kit in detail.
• Understand what features they should analyse when writing about a product.
• Be able to explain the manufacturing processes and materials used to make British military clothing or kit.
• Feel confident to express their opinions and constructive comments about the product.
• Produce creative and technologically advanced designs for future combat kit.

Lesson code

DT2