GRADE 9 TERM 1 DATE: _________________

INVESTIGATION SKILLS: Identify the problem, design brief, specifications,

Week 5 and constraints ____/15
DESIGN SKILLS: Initial Ideas, Evaluation & Choice of the final idea
Week 6
____/20
MAKING SKILLS: Building the scale model
Week 8 ____/35
TOTAL ____/70

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WEEK 5: SCENARIO
INVESTIGATE GRANNY MARGARET THABANG’S
PROBLEM

Read the following scenario then answer the questions.

SCENARIO
Rivers provide much-needed water for communities,
but sometimes they can also make life difficult for
people. Especially during the rainy season and
when flash floods occur, people from villages
struggle to cross the river from one side to the other
if there is no bridge.

Many of the people in the KwaNogawu village next

to the uThukela River in KwaZulu-Natal work on
the other side of the river.

They also must cross the river to visit

doctors, Banks, and shops. School children cross
this river to get to their schools, and the elderly must
walk through it once a month to collect their government grants from the offices on the
other side.

Usually, the villagers cross the river on foot because the nearest bridge is very far away.
But during the rainy season, when the river is in flood, it becomes very dangerous. The
water levels are so high that it is difficult to get through it safely, and the villagers have
also seen crocodiles in the river. Everyone fears drowning or getting attacked by the
crocodiles, but they don’t have a choice and must go through the river to get to the other
side.

You have been asked to design and build a bridge to cross the
uThukela River at KwaNogawu village to ensure safe access from one
side of the river to the other.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCALE MODEL OF THE BRIDGE

• The river is 100 meters wide at the crossing point. It rises during the winter rains and
there are crocodiles in the river all year round
• Disabled people, learners and community members from the village must be able to
use the bridge to cross the river safely.

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• The bridge must be constructed from materials that are easy to find in the
surrounding areas.
• The bridge should be strong and stable enough to last for at least 30 years and to
withstand floods
• The bridge must have a double lane for traffic/bicycles and a well-protected
pedestrian walk on one side.
• The safety of pedestrians must be prioritised since more than 85% of accidents occur
to pedestrians.
• The scale model of the bridge must also be stable, so that it does not sway and
cause old people and
children to fall when they walk across.
• The height of the scale model should not exceed 160 mm & the length not 480 mm.
• The scale model of the bridge must be able to carry a weight of 2,5 kg sugar.
• Local labour should be used in the construction of the bridge.
• The budget for the bridge should not exceed R1,5 million

INVESTIGATE VARIOUS POSSIBLE STRUCTURES THAT COULD SOLVE

THE PROBLEM [INDIVIDUAL WORK]
Answer the following questions.

1. Identify the problem that must be solved? (1)

People need to cross the wide river on foot every day, but it is dangerous because of
floods and crocodiles, and it takes very long to walk through the water. People in
wheelchairs cannot cross the river at all.

ANALYSE EXISTING PRODUCTS RELEVANT TO THE

PROBLEM IN TERMS OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE
Different types of bridges use different materials and construction methods, but they all
have a similar function.
INSTRUCTION

Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the

bridges for the community in your group.
o Consider the
requirements mentioned
in the scenario as criteria
for the advantages and
disadvantages.

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(12)
1.1.2

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1.1.3 Which of the different bridges will adhere to most of the requirements? (1)
Truss bridge
1.1.4 Motivate your choice in 4.2.2. List at least ONE reason to motivate your choice. (1)

• The bridge will be able to cross the 100 meters width of the river at the crossing point.
• Disabled people, learners and community members from the village will be able to use the
bridge to cross the river safely.
• The bridge will be stable, so that it does not sway and cause old people and children to fall
when they walk across.
• The bridge is strong and stable enough to last for at least 30 years and to withstand floods
• The bridge could have a double lane for traffic/bicycles and a well-protected pedestrian walk
on one side.
• The bridge will be stable, so that it does not sway and cause old people and children to fall
when they walk across
• The bridge could be constructed from materials that are easy to find in the surrounding
areas.
SUB TOTAL = 15 MARKS

WEEK 6: DESIGN BRIEF, SPECIFICATIONS &

CONSTRAINTS [INDIVIDUAL WORK]
2.1.1 Write a design brief for the identified problem. (3)

Design and make ✓ a bridge ✓that will allow pedestrians (including disabled people) and cars /
bicycles to cross the river quickly, easily, and safely, even when the river is in flood. ✓

2.1.2 Identify THREE specifications for the bridge. (ANY THREE) (3)
➢ The bridge should cross the river where it is 100 meters wide.
➢ Disabled people, learners and community members from the village must be able to use
the bridge to cross the river safely.
➢ The bridge could be constructed from materials that are easy to find in the surrounding
areas.
➢ The safety of pedestrians must be prioritised since more than 85% of accidents occur to
pedestrians.
➢ Your bridge must also be stable, so that it does not sway and cause old people and
children to fall when they walk across.
➢ The scale model of the bridge must be able to carry a weight of 2,5 kg sugar.
➢ The bridge should be strong and stable enough to last for at least 30 years and to
withstand floods
➢ The bridge must have a double lane for traffic/bicycles and a well-protected pedestrian
walk on one side.

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2.1.3 Identify TW0 constraints mentioned for the bridge. (2)

➢ The height must not exceed 160 mm and the length not 480 mm.
➢ The budget for the bridge should not exceed R1,5 million
➢ Only local labour should be used in the construction of the bridge.

2.2 SKETCH INITIAL IDEAS

2.2.1 Use the skills and techniques you have learnt to sketch initial ideas for your possible
solution to the identified problem.

INSTRUCTION: Each learner in the group should draw TWO possible ideas.

1. Start with freehand sketches. Keep to the requirements of the tender advertisement.
2. Use 2-D and 3D sketches to add more detailed information.
3. Keep the scenario in mind while you plan and sketch.
4. Keep all your initial sketches as they will be useful to you
5. Add details by annotated notes.

DESIGN 1 (POSSIBLE SOLUTION 1)

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DESIGN 2

MORE EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

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Please note: if the learner did not draw the exact same bridge but a combination of different
bridges that adheres to the requirements → it is acceptable!

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2.3 EVALUATE AND ADAPT: TEAMS EVALUATE

INDIVIDUAL IDEAS AND DEVELOP A FINAL IDEA
2.3.1 Evaluate the work of each member of the group and adapt if necessary. You are going
to use all the initial ideas to develop the final design.

As a group look at the initial ideas and evaluate it. Use the tool below to evaluate the different
possible solutions.
Member 1: Member 2: Member 3: Member 4:
CRITERIA
________ _________ _________ __________
a) Does the structure allow people to
move across the river safely during
rainy season as well as dry season?
b) Does the structure protect people
from crocodiles?
c) Is the structure durable, and will it last
at least 30 years?
THE ANSWERS OF TEAMS
d) Is the structure made of the right WILL DIFFER
materials? Remember that
the bridge could be in constant
contact with water and should
not rust.
e) Will the disabled people be able to
cross the bridge safely?
f) Does the bridge have a double lane
for traffic/bicycles and a well-
protected pedestrian walk on one
side.

After your group has evaluated all the designs, you must choose the most suitable design to
make.

2.3.2 We have decided on _________________________’s design.

2.3.3 Motivate your reason/s. (Reasons should refer to the advantages and disadvantages
mentioned earlier

ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL IDEAS, EVALUATION & CHOICE OF THE FINAL
IDEA
Marks
CRITERIA The learner(s)......
allocated
Sketched TWO FREEHAND ideas – individually ______/2
Labels and notes were added to the drawings ______/4
Different line types were clearly visible (2 marks per drawing) ______/4
Ideas of all group members were evaluated, and a final choice was made ______/2
TOTAL _____/12

SUB TOTAL = 20
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WEEK 6: WORKING DRAWING & FLOW CHART

3.1 You must draw a WORKING DRAWING of your chosen design in first angle orthographic projection.

INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE

OF A WORKING DRAWING NOT THE ONLY
Draw a front view, top view (plan), and a side / end view. ANSWER
Study the criteria for assessing the working drawing before you complete the orthographic projection
A scale of 1:100 would be a good choice

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE

OF A WORKING DRAWING NOT THE ONLY
ANSWER

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WEEK 8: MAKE THE SCALE MODEL OF THE BRIDGE

INSTRUCTIONS: [GROUP WORK]
1. Construct the scale model of your team’s chosen bridge design.

• Think carefully about all the materials and tools you will need to build your model.

SELECT MATERIALS FOR YOUR MODEL [10]

You may use any appropriate or easily available materials to build your model. You will mostly be
using waste materials, although a few of the components e.g., dowel rods, might have to be
bought from a shop.

Demonstrate an intelligent use of the materials you choose. You might find the following
items useful:

o Pipe cleaners
o Wooden dowels
o Cardboard
o Straws
o Tightly rolled paper tubes
o Sellotape and masking tape

Make a list of materials and tools that you need to build the scale model of your
bridge.

MATERIALS (7) TOOLS (3)

EXAMPLE: EXMPLES:

Cardboard Pliers
Glue Scissors
Sosatie sticks / Wooden dowls Ruler

PLEASE NOTE: ANSWERS WILL DIFFER PLEASE NOTE: ANSWERS WILL DIFFER
FROM GROUP TO GROUP FROM GROUP TO GROUP

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• You have two hours to make the model.

• Build one model for your team that looks like your working drawing. It should be built neatly,
safely and to scale.

• You can use materials available to you such as cardboard, string, wire, pieces of wood,
drinking straws, plastic, and clay. You can also use glue and paint.

• It must be built neatly to scale, showing intelligent use of materials. (Group work)

• Make sure that every team member plays a part in the building process,

• Collect tools and materials that you will be using.

• Use the materials thriftily and intelligently.

• Pay close attention to joins and bracing of the structure.

• Mount the model onto some form of platform base.

• Work neatly and safely at all times.

2. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES must be followed.

Look at the list of SAFETY FEATURES below. Use it as a guide to develop a group safety list.

• Protect the surface on which you are working.

• If you use an awl or poking tool, use a poking pad or old magazine.

• Use a cutting mat and safety ruler when working with a craft knife.

• When gluing items together, work on an old magazine or newspaper.

• Keep your work area tidy.

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ASSESSMENT RUBRIC: MAKE A SCALE MODEL OF A BRIDGE

4 Excellent 3 Good 2 Acceptable 1 Unacceptable

CRITERIA
MAKING SKILLS: materials, &

• Made an • Made an • Made an • Made an

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT UNACCEPTAB
choice of choice of choice of LE choice of
materials. materials. materials. materials.
tools

• ALL tools were • MOST of the • SOME, but not • NO tools were
indicated tools were ALL tools were indicated
needed to make indicated indicated needed to make
the device. needed to make needed to make the device.
the device. the device.

MARKS: 10 - 8 MARKS: 7 - 5 MARKS: 4 - 3 MARKS: 2 – 0

• Shows a VERY • Shows a • Shows • Shows LITTLE

GOOD GENERAL UNDERSTANDING understanding
understanding understanding of the making of the making
of the making of the making process. process.
Make a WORKING MODEL of the STRUCTURE.

process. process.

• TAKES CARE • Takes • Takes SOME • NOT ABLE to

when working, REASONABLE care when use tools and
using tools and care when working, using materials safely
materials safely working, using tools and and accurately.
and accurately. tools and materials safely
MAKING SKILLS

materials safely and accurately.

and accurately.

• WORKS • Works EASILY • Works with • FINDS it

CONFIDENTLY with others, others, making DIFFICULT to
with others, making a very a work with
making a very good REASONABLE others, making
good contribution. contribution. VERY LITTLE
contribution. or NO
contribution.

• Produces an • Produces a • Produces a • Produces a

EXCELLENT GOOD working SATISFACTORY POOR working
WORKING model. working model. model.
MODEL.

MARKS: 15 - 13 MARKS: 12 - 9 MARKS: 8 - 5 MARKS: 4 - 0

TOTAL
SCORE:
__________/25

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WEEK 9: BUDGETING
Use the information below to compile a budget for your bridge.
• Use your drawings to work out the budget for your solution.
• The budget is for the full-sized version of your solution.
• The budget must include labour and material costs.
• Your budget should not exceed R1,5 million as mentioned in the scenario.
• The budget is for the real bridge not for your scale model.
You could use the following table as the starting point for your budget.
The construction cost is influenced by the design, materials, transport cost and the use of
machinery as well as possible complications that might occur during the construction.

COST OF SOME CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Construction materials Cost per item (Rands)
Gum poles (treated): 7,2 m length, 120 cm (circumference) R 405,10
Skinny poles: 1,2 m (length), 75-100 cm (circumference) R 121,30
L-shaped concrete lintel (1,4 m x 60 cm) R 359,00
Threaded rod bolt (12 mm x 1 m) R 21,00
Nut and washer to fit 12 mm threaded bolt R 0,80
Cement (50 kg bag) R 78,80
Bricks (220 mm x 75 mm x 110 mm) R 2,40
Building sand per m³ R 365,00
Umgeni sand per m³ R 356,00
Concrete stone per m³ R 425,00
Shutter boards (1,2 m x 2,4 m) R 329,00
Reinforcing rods (Y12 bars) per meter R 14,50

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONSTRUCTION COSTS: Estimated about R 6 000 (per m²)
LABOUR COSTS (CONSTRUCTION WORKERS MINIMUM WAGE
Labour rates: tradesmen (bricklayer, carpenter) R40 – R55 / hour
General labourer R20,50 /hour
Watchman R20,50 /hour
Site foreman R200 /hour
Civil engineer R1 000/hour
Project manager R1 500 /hour
TRANSPORT COSTS R18,40 (per km)
ELECTRICITY COSTS (complete →)
DELIVERY COSTS
Charges for delivery of materials Cost (Rands per kilometre
Ten-ton truck R 30,00 – 50,00
Two-ton truck R7,00

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1. Add up the costs of the raw materials you will need.

2. Add in transport costs
3. Add in the cost of any equipment needed. You may buy or hire the equipment.
4. Add in the cost of electricity
5. Add in your labour costs.
6. Add in any costs that may apply as contingencies.
7. Calculate the total costs that are involved and build in your profit margin.

AN EXAMPLE OF A BUDGET

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PRICE PER UNIT

TOTAL
MATERIALS QUANTITY INCLUDING
(RANDS)
TAX (RANDS)
Cement 100 bags 90 per bag 9 000
Steel I-beams (5 m × 6 cm) 25 1 000 25 000
Steel I-beams (10 m × 12 cm) 4 3500 14 000
Steel I-beams (15 m × 12 cm) 4 5250 21 000
Steel angle iron (5 m × 3 cm) 30 600 18 000
100 per
Metal cable (2 cm width) 100 m 10 000
metre
Metal cable (1 cm width) 100 m 50 per metre 5000
Stones for concrete foundations 2 tonnes 1 000 per tonne 2 000
Metal plate (‘starred’ anti-slip, 1 m × 1 m) 50 200 per plate 10 000
Bricks 5 000 2 10 000
Heavy duty bolts 500 5 2 500
U bolts to fasten cables 500 10 5 000
Subtotal materials: 131 500

LABOUR COSTS ARE BASED ON 20 DAYS WORK AT 8 HOURS PER DAY

PAYMENT PER TOTAL
LABOUR QUANTITY
DAY (RANDS) (RANDS)
Metal workers 10 500 per day 100 000
Labourers 25 25 per hour 100 000
Carpenters 2 320 per day 12 800
Brick layers 5 320 per day 32 000
Foreman 1 600 per day 12 000
Subtotal labour 256 800

MACHINERY AND TOOLS HIRED FOR TEN DAYS

RATE PER DAY TOTAL
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT QUANTITY
(RANDS) (RANDS)
Bulldozer and operator 2 2 000 40 000
Road grader and operator 1 2 500 25 000
Winches for tightening cables 4 800 32 000
Tools per labourer 25 10 2 500
Subtotal machinery 99 500
Invoice Total
Design costs Quantity
(Rands) (Rands)
Architect 1 20 000 20 000
engineers 2 25 000 25 000
Subtotal design 45 000

Total budget for bridge

Materials 131 500
Labour 256 800
Machinery 99 500
Design 45 000
Total budget before profit 532 800
Profit margin of 10% 53 280
Total budget including profit 586 080
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QUANTITY PRICE/UNIT TOTAL

Total budget before profit

Profit margin of 10%

Total budget including profit

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WEEK 10: TEAM PRESENTATIONS

INSTRUCTION:
1. As a team, decide how you are going to present your plans and model to the class.

Remember, it is a group presentation so you must ensure that each member of your team takes
part.

The presentation must consist of:

✓ sketches,
✓ plans (adapted design),
✓ design brief,
✓ working drawing,
✓ a budget,
✓ a model of the solution and

Decide who will be responsible for the following:

o Preparing visual material to enhance the presentation

o The introduction and conclusion
o Presenting different aspects, such as the structure or the mechanical part
o Demonstrating the model.

2. Work out in which order and how to present the parts of the presentation.

3. When presenting your scale model, ensure that you:

Show that you care about your work.

Show that you have empathy for the people living in that community.
Provide visual material such as diagrams, headings, and sub-headings.
Explain processes and structures.
Use plain language.
Speak directly to the audience in a way that is compelling and honest.

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