ABSTRACT

Systems and control is an important area of design and technology, reflecting the complex technological infrastructure of the modern world. It encompasses the use of electronics, microelectronics, pneumatics, mechanisms, electro-mechanical and programmable control systems. This chapter provides the scope and nature of systems and control in the contemporary school curriculum. In order to help pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of systems and control in a way that enables them to apply it to their designing and making, it is useful to identify a number of key concepts and processes that need to be understood and applied. These are: the principles of a 'systems approach'; knowledge and understanding of electronic/microelectronic circuits and components; control programming; control systems; and designing and making electronic products and systems. Information and Communications Technology based teaching systems have developed rapidly and are being used increasingly in schools to support teaching and learning in systems and control.