Level 1 Materials Technology

Level 1 Materials Technology – Design, Build, Innovate  (Full Year Course – Achievement Standards, University Pathway)

This course blends academic learning with practical skills, offering a pathway toward university study or senior design-based technology courses. It is different from Building and Construction, which focuses more on trade and vocational outcomes.

You will take on design challenges that let you explore a range of materials like wood, plastic, and metal. You will use a structured design process to research, plan, design, and create a one-off product that meets a real need.

This course encourages creative problem-solving, independent thinking, and safe, efficient use of tools and materials.

What Will I learn?

Design Thinking & Research

• Investigate existing products and identify opportunities for improvement

• Develop your own concepts and design ideas

• Produce detailed design drawings and working plans

• Use modelling techniques to test and communicate your designs

Construction & Practical Work

• Learn how to safely use a wide range of workshop tools and machines

• Work with wood, metal, and plastic

• Apply practical construction skills to build your product to a high-quality finish

• Reflect on your process and evaluate your final outcome

Key Projects

Storage System Project

• Design and build a storage solution for a real client or context

• Your outcome will reflect the value of Manaakitanga – showing care, respect, and meeting someone’s needs

• Use a combination of materials and construction methods

Upcycling & Sustainable Innovation

• Explore how to reduce, reuse, and repurpose discarded materials

• Experiment with techniques like melting plastics or combining found objects

• Create a unique and innovative product using sustainable design thinking

Skills You Will Develop

• Design process: research, ideation, modelling, and reflection

• Safe and skilled use of tools and machines

• Working with multiple materials: wood, metal, plastic

• Project planning and time management

• Communication through sketches, drawings, and modelling

• Understanding sustainability and ethical design

Why Take This Course?

• University-approved pathway

• Develops creative, academic, and hands-on skills

• Great foundation for Level 2–3 Technology, Engineering, or Product Design

• Encourages innovation and values-based thinking

• Helps build an early design portfolio for future pathways