Lesson 10 · Weeks 17-18
Diagnostic testing and evaluation
Learning intention
Test the finished system properly and judge it honestly against the criteria you set.
Success criteria
My evaluation uses my own test data as evidence, and my proposed improvements have reasons.
Before class
Insist on expected results before each test is run. Written after the fact, they are worthless.
Materials
Multimeters, callipers, reference instruments, finished systems.
Common misconceptions & fixes
Students report only the tests that went well. A discrepancy explained is worth more than a clean result asserted.
Evidence to collect
Test reports with expected and actual results; evaluation against criteria; evaluation of the process; proposed improvements. Third assessment point.
Support path
Supply a test report template with the headings and one worked example.
Extension path
Test a failure mode deliberately: what happens when the sensor is disconnected, or the supply sags?
Exit reflection
If a stranger used your system tomorrow, what would go wrong first?
