RAL technology

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RAL Technologyinquiry-based learning in the
twenty-first century
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Introduction
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RAL Technology

• What is a RAL (Remote Access Laboratory)?
• RAL allow users to have experiments set up in a
  laboratory as per project requirements with state
  of the art equipment.
• Users are then able to log into the lab via the
  Internet and control all of the equipment and
  record results in real-time from a remote
  location.

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RAL Technology

• Benefits of RAL
• Access to sophisticated scientific equipment
  otherwise inaccessible in conventional school
  science programs due to expense and time
  restraints
• Access not limited by location or time zone
• Provides superior access for students with
  disabilities
• Students are able to log into the lab via the
  Internet and control all of the equipment and
  record results in real-time from a remote
  location.
• See Resources 1 for detailed examination of RAL
  technology and benefits

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Inquiry Task

• Inquiry Learning components of this unit have
  been designed to complement Science, Technology
  and ICT
• Students must gather information, test design
  elements and record data.
• The process will raise such questions as Will
  this work?, Why doesnt it work?, What can I do
  to make it work?
• See Resources 2 for detailed Inquiry analysis

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KLAKey Learning Areas

• Science
• Energy and Change
• Technology
• Technology as a human endeavour
• Information, materials and systems (resources)
• ICTs
• Inquiring with ICTs
• See Resources 3 for detailed presentation of
  KLAs

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GRASPS
The task uses the GRASPS design
model. Goal Role Audience Situation Product
Standards for Success
Wiggins, G. McTighe, J. ( 2003). Understanding
by design Teaching Assessing for in-depth,
engaging and effective learning. Professional
Workshop. San Francisco ASCD.
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Goal

• Using knowledge of force and motion, design a
  challenging and fun all weather remote control
  car track for a public community space.
• Drive a test vehicle in a remote access
  laboratory (RAL) to experiment with surfaces,
  gradients, cornering and straights.
• Collect data then justify resulting design
  decisions .

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Role

• Students will work in teams of two. They will
  assume the role of LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS who are
  preparing a design to tender for the job of
  building the remote control car track for a
  community space.
• They are given specifications to which they must
  adhere for example, the track must include a
  particular number of surfaces, a variety of
  gradients, and options for beginner and advanced
  drivers.
• They will justify their design upon completion
  by providing data collected during RAL trials.

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Audience

• When the designs and justifications are complete,
  they will be judged by a panel of community
  members and representatives from the Radiator
  Springs Council.
• The panel will rate the designs and award the job
  of building the track to the team with the best
  design.

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Situation

• Teams of two
• Submissions are to be of a revolutionary nature,
  giving the community a state of the art racing
  complex.
• There is ample space to build a track which can
  be used by all members of the community
  children, youth and adults.
• The council requirements are for an all weather
  track, that will be usable at all times of the
  year.
• The council is looking for a facility that will
  be able to sustain competitions being held at the
  track over long weekend periods for example.

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Product

• The design proposal (drawn/computer generated)
• The proposed track must include
• Sections suitable for beginner and advanced
  remote control car users
• Surfaces which will be suitable for all weather
  conditions
• A variety of surfaces, gradients, straights and
  corners
• Justification of design decisions must include -
• Data gathered during testing potential surfaces
  and gradients
• Links to scientific knowledge of force and motion
  

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Standards for Success

• Designs must
• Be neatly presented either drawn or computer
  generated and clearly labeled
• Meet specifications of using a variety of
  surfaces, gradients, straights and corners
• Be suitable for both beginner and advanced users
• Be supported with relevant data and scientific
  justifications