NTU Design Technology Workshop - Concrete Mix And Make
On Wednesday the 8th of June our very own Tim Goodman went to Nottingham Trent University with a small group of Design and Technology Teachers for a day designed to help them drive ideas forward.

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The Design Technology Workshop was hosted by Nottingham Trent University's Kerry Truman and began with a briefing on all the different opportunities there are at NTU for such learning.

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They were led down in to the workshops where they were given the opportunity to make a clock from concrete. Dr Concrete has spent a number of years looking at different ways of using this surprisingly malleable and versatile product.

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He explained how they change the mixes to achieve different finishes and strengths. Later in the day we saw how a number of these different types of mixes were used in the Students final year projects.

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Whilst the clocks were left to set Phil Wickham from Dixons Trinity Academy in Bradford went through a project that he has done with his year 7’s using a Kitronik Mono Amp kit and a moulded concrete cup to make a speaker system.

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A tour of the extensive design facility followed which is nothing short of a very impressive mix of the ever useful old faithful machines and brand new technology that industry leaders would be proud to boast of.

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As a close to the day everyone went to look around the Final Years design show. Everything was showcased there from product design to fashion. There was a lot of talent on display at NTU's design show and I am sure the students responsible will go on to do great things in the future.

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I would like to thank Kerry Truman and Nottingham Trent University for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, but as you can see, it's now time to pack some orders!

6 comments

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Victoria, yes they were.

Victoria Gill

Victoria Gill

Were these Vacuum formed shapes used as the mould?

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Louise, Approx. 2 cups of sharp builders sand and 1 cup of concrete and then add water, make sure it is loose enough for the air bubbles to move when you shake it but not so loose that it is too liquid like. I hope this helps.

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Dale, Tim enjoyed himself immensely.

Dale Mears

Dale Mears

Thanks for supporting this event! It was a great day really useful. Can't wait for the next! Dale

Louise

Louise

Your mix of concrete is very lovely. Can you give me the recipe? Many thanks, L.

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