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Basic 9 · Career Technology · Term Project

Term Project: Testing, Presenting and Evaluating

In this topic you will test and finish your practical product, present it to others, evaluate your project and reflect on your next steps.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Test and finish a product
  • Present the product and the process
  • Evaluate your project and plan ahead

What you already know

  • Planning and making the term project

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Lesson 1

Strand
Health & Safety
Sub-strand
Term Project

Introduction

A product is not finished until someone has tried it and found that it works.

1. Testing the Product

Testing a product
TestExample
functionDoes the bag hold 2 kg?
strengthDo handles stay on with use?
safetyAre edges smooth and joints firm?
user testCan a learner use it easily?
durabilityCan it withstand repeated use?

Test your product as a real user would. If it fails, note why, and improve it. Failing in a test is useful: it is much better for a product to fail in a test than for it to fail in use. Compare the results with your specification. Mark each requirement as met, partly met or not met.

2. Improving the Product

  1. Look at the test results.
  2. Identify what needs to change.
  3. Plan the change.
  4. Make the improvement.
  5. Test the product again.
  6. Record what you did.

3. Finishing

Finishing methods
MaterialFinish
woodsanding, varnish, paint
metalfiling, painting, polish
fabricironing, trimming, labels
foodclean packaging, labels
plasticpolishing edges

Finishes protect the product and improve how it looks. Varnish protects wood from water, and paint stops metal from rusting. Allow enough time for drying. A label with the product's name, maker, date and care instructions gives it a professional look.

A finished wooden stool
Figure 1: Finished product Fill in your specification check.

4. Packaging and Pricing

Packaging protects a product and attracts customers. Use reusable or recyclable materials when possible. Give your product a simple, memorable name, and create a logo. Calculate your final cost and set a fair price. If you are selling at a school fair, prepare enough change and keep clear records. The experience of selling your own product can show you how businesses work.

5. Cost Review

Profit check

A group made 8 bags at a total cost of GH₵240 and sold them all at GH₵40 each. Find the profit.

  1. Income: 8 × 40 = 320.
  2. Profit: 320 − 240.

Answer: GH₵80

Compare your final costs with your budget. Did you spend more or less than planned? Why? This will help you in planning future projects, and it teaches you important lessons about money.

New words

user test
Having real users try a product.
finish
The final surface of a product.
logo
A symbol representing a brand.
income
Money received from sales.

Summary

  • Test the product against the specification.
  • Improve it and apply a suitable finish.
  • Package, price and review costs.

Class activity: Test and Improve

  1. Test your product with three users.
  2. Improve one feature.
  3. Add a finish and a label.

You need: Safety goggles, Tape measure, Kente fabric offcut

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. Varnish protects…

    • A. wood
    • B. food
    • C. cloth labels
    • D. water
    Show answer
    Answer: woodFinish.

  2. 2. User testing means…

    • A. real users try the product
    • B. hiding the product
    • C. pricing only
    • D. drawing
    Show answer
    Answer: real users try the productTesting.

  3. 3. Paint can stop metal from rusting.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueFinish.

  4. 4. A symbol representing a brand is a ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: logoMarketing.

  5. 5. State three tests for a product.

    Show answer
    Answer: Function, strength and safety.Any three.

  6. 6. 12 stools cost GH₵600 and sell at GH₵70 each. Find the profit.

    Show answer
    Answer: GH₵240840 − 600.

Lesson 2

Strand
Health & Safety
Sub-strand
Term Project

Introduction

A good presentation shows both a finished product and the thinking behind it.

1. Presenting Your Project

  1. State the need and the user.
  2. Show your plans and sketches.
  3. Explain the materials and tools you chose.
  4. Describe how you worked safely.
  5. Demonstrate the product.
  6. Share test results and costs.
  7. Answer questions.

2. Evaluation

Evaluation checklist
CriterionQuestion
needDoes it solve the problem?
specificationWere the requirements met?
qualityIs it well made?
safetyWas work done safely?
costWas it within budget?
teamworkDid everyone contribute?
Students displaying products at a school fair
Figure 2: Product display Evaluate your project using the checklist.

3. Personal Reflection

Think about what you have learned about tools, materials, safety and yourself. Which skill improved most? What did you find difficult? How did you work with others? Did you like making things, serving customers, or managing others? Your answers can point towards careers that suit you. A learner who loved costing might go into business, and one who enjoyed sewing might consider fashion.

4. From Project to Business

Some school projects can become small businesses. If people liked your product, ask whether they would buy it. Consider who your customers are, how much they would pay and how you would make more. Local Business Advisory Centres and the Ghana Enterprises Agency support small businesses. Many businesses start small, with one product and one customer. Remember, though, that school comes first, so talk to your family and teachers.

5. Keeping Safe Beyond School

The skills you have learned apply to everyday life. Keep practising hygiene and safe food handling at home. Use PPE when you help on the farm or at a workshop. Keep your surroundings clean, and use energy wisely. Choose carefully when you pick your senior high school or TVET programme, and speak to your parents and counsellors. Your work this term has prepared you for this important decision.

6. Thanking Your Helpers

Thank everyone who supported your project, including teachers, family members and customers.

New words

evaluation
Judging how well something works.
career
A long-term job path.
customer
A person who buys goods.
reflection
Careful thinking about experience.

Summary

  • Present your need, process, product and results.
  • Evaluate using clear criteria.
  • Reflect on your strengths and possible careers.

Class activity: Project Showcase

  1. Present your products.
  2. Evaluate two other projects.
  3. Write down your career idea.

You need: Safety goggles, Tape measure, Kente fabric offcut

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. A person who buys goods is a…

    • A. customer
    • B. supplier
    • C. judge
    • D. artisan
    Show answer
    Answer: customerBusiness.

  2. 2. Which agency supports small businesses in Ghana?

    • A. Ghana Enterprises Agency
    • B. Ghana Police
    • C. EPA
    • D. GRIDCo
    Show answer
    Answer: Ghana Enterprises AgencySupport.

  3. 3. School projects can become businesses.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueEnterprise.

  4. 4. A long-term job path is a ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: careerWork.

  5. 5. State four things to include in a presentation.

    Show answer
    Answer: The need, plans, materials and test results.Any four.

  6. 6. How can a project help you to choose a career?

    Show answer
    Answer: It shows which tasks you enjoy and are good at.Reflection.

Homework

  1. Write a reflection of about 100 words on your project and the career you are considering.
Term Project: Testing, Presenting and Evaluating – Basic 9 Career Technology Notes | sirbus