Our year 13 Engineering learners enjoyed a sketching Employer Led Project with Ben from Moramma, where they were tasked with designing an electric toothbrush. This session supported learners with Unit 9 on the curriculum – Mechanical Design with the focus of improving 2D and 3D sketching techniques.

In order to set the ELP, Ben visited our learners to demonstrate the importance of sketching in the process of generating ideas for a new project. He discussed how ideas transition from initial ideas and sketches to Computer-Aided Design and finally the physical product. To showcase the importance of sketching in the engineering process, Ben showed learners the development of some of the products Moramma have had a hand in creating such as the Apex Bike. He discussed how an effective sketch must have a balance between giving sufficient information whilst not being overly detailed and time consuming. 

Following this, our visitor led our learners through sketching activities focused on key techniques perspective drawing, using ellipses and line weight. Emboldened with the professional expertise of an engineering professional, our learners set to designing their mechanical toothbrushes with amazing 2D and 3D concepts. These were then uploaded onto Padlet and shared with Ben, where he kindly took time to look at each design and offer valuable feedback.  

“It was great to see the student outcomes, they have all implemented the techniques covered such as perspectives, construction and line weight. I hope they were inspired to look closer at careers in engineering and the creative industry from our time together,” Ben, Morramma. 

“Visual communication in engineering is an important tool to learn as it quickly shares an idea amongst a team and Ben did an amazing job to showcase how it is used in industry. He explained the importance of sketching and the conventions of sketching to enhance communication skills visually and how to apply this effectively. This helped the learners go from very little experience and skillset in drawing, to being more confident in their drawing skills to demonstrate drawings that appear more professional and visually appealing,” Teacher of engineering, Heman.