"The lines on the wood represent the waves of the tsunamis," stated Vivian Ng Ning Ting. The 2E5 student explained how her design is a reminder that "not taking care of the Earth can intensify the effects of natural disasters which kill a lot of people and destroy homes".

Rachael Wee looking on as Ms Ho Peng, MOE Director-General of Education, tries to connect the pieces at the interactive activity corner.

"The students have to cultivate awareness beyond design in order to be responsible designers," notes Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Am, the teacher-in-charge for the exhibition. "You have to be aware of the materials that you use, where and whom you source them from, and all the processes involved in the making of the products."

The students limited themselves to a small quantity of wood in order to discourage material wastage and use only non-CFC spray paint for their acrylic designs. A number of their creations were also built with multiple functionalities in mind, as this reduces the amount of material needed to produce separate items.

Others found inspiration from IKEA's flat-pack design ethos. "All our pieces can be easily self-assembled or dismantled for convenience to the end customer," shared Clorisa Loh Hui Lin of 2E5. Each product is designed without the need for adhesives or nails. Visitors could even try their hand at putting together disassembled pieces at an interactive activity corner.

This green message certainly resonated with visitors such as Ms Siew Wan Nee, who remarked, "I think it is good way for students to spend their school holidays to walk the talk of helping the world."

Breaking down mental barriers in D&T

Students, teachers and guests guests at the launch of Piece-it-Up: Eco Design@Zhonghua Design and Technology.

A first for a lower secondary D&T programme, Piece-It-Up is also an exercise in community outreach. Sabrina Kng Ai Ling of 2E5 jumped at the chance to interact with visitors to the exhibition. "I approached a mother who kindly encouraged her children to assemble the product at the interactive corner," she exclaimed. "I felt a sense of pride because it is a rare opportunity to have my work displayed!"

It was also an opportunity to dispel common misconceptions about D&T. "Many still have the impression that D&T is a skills-based, metalwork and woodwork subject," observed Mr Mohamed Suffian. "This is no longer the case as the focus today is more on design, creativity and critical thinking."

Handy holders for stationery on display at IKEA Tampines.

Rachael Wee, Project Director of the exhibition's organising committee, found herself having to shatter the notion that D&T is a boy's subject. "Some visitors thought that D&T was for guys and is more strenuous that it really is!" shared the Sec 3 student.

Far from finding it strenuous, Sabrina relishes the opportunity to exercise her creativity through hands-on work. Starting with drawings of random lines and circles, she would carefully mould a 3D image before transferring the design to actual wood. "Creating curving lines on wood this deep is a challenge and I have to smoothen the edges by hand," she stated. "That I did on my first try made it special for me."

Towards a more authentic learning experience

The exhibition may be over, but the school hopes that its impact will be a lasting one. Only about a fifth of each lower secondary D&T cohort pursues the subject in Sec 3, but Mr Mohamed Suffian expresses a wish that those who do not "will be our ambassadors, having had a good experience and exposure with D&T" through creating products for the exhibition that are relevant to contemporary needs.

Students keep abreast of the latest design trends and learn how to manage a project by working with mentors from the industry.

Meanwhile, students who continue with D&T in Sec 3 enjoy a revamped curriculum that blends current design trends, realistic scenarios and a strategic partnership with industry. Even the way the exhibition's organising committee was chosen resembled a job application, to offer the students a glimpse into the working world. Shortlisted applicants underwent interviews and the final twelve committee members assumed titles and responsibilities such as graphic designer, operations manager, logistics executive, publicity executive and accounts manager - just like in an actual design agency.

The involvement of external parties such as PICO Art (a design firm) and IKEA added a touch of authenticity to the learning experience. Rachael recalls having a mentor from PICO while she was organising the exhibition. "It was inspiring because it pushed me to do better. What we are doing is small-scale compared to what PICO has accomplished, and I learnt so much about handling projects, such as coordinating deadlines."

"They sacrificed much of their family time and other commitments to make the exhibition a success," said Mr Mohamed Suffian in a tribute to the dedication of the students. For Rachael, the efforts did not go unrewarded. "I did not have my hopes up at first but I feel honoured that this exhibition turned out to be a success and the public got to know what D&T is about. It's something to remember."