Salmon Growing in Tasmania

• This resource provides an excellent context for work in both strands of the design and technologies curriculum for years 9 and 10 students. In relation to the Knowledge and understanding strand, the unit's overall thrust supports the content description about critically analysing factors, including social, ethical and sustainability considerations, that impact on designed solutions for global preferred futures and the complex design and production processes involved. The unit's research activities are equally supportive of content descriptions that refer to investigating and making judgments on the ethical and sustainable production of food, on how the characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment and of technologies can be combined to create designed solutions.
• The design activity suggested for assessment purposes provide opportunities for students ito address the Processes and production skills strand. They are of particular relevance to the content descriptions about developing, modifying and communicating design ideas by applying design thinking, creativity, innovation and enterprise skills of increasing sophistication, and evaluating design ideas, processes and solutions against comprehensive criteria for success recognising the need for sustainability.
• Although intended for the design and technologies curriculum, many of the unit's activities, particularly its case study of Huon Aquaculture, are also of value for the economics and business curriculum in year 9. The company's production process, on-site research activities and emphasis on improved pen design are of value for the content description about the nature of innovation and how and why businesses seek to create and maintain a competitive advantage in the market, including the global market.
• The resource is very likely to engage its intended audience. The subject matter is the subject of public debate and the activities are well-suited to years 9 and 10 students. The information for teachers is useful and the video is of value for both teachers and students.

9; 10