Product development

Preparation and Planning

There is little preparation required for this lesson. You will need to prepare enough Student Worksheets and slide packs for each group in Episode 3 and 4. You will need ICT access to play the Video to the class and to project the Slides. Ideally students should be given their own ICT access so they can view the Slides and Video independently.

About the MOD Topic

In the context of defence, it is essential that the British Armed Forces receive the most technologically advanced equipment and clothing to ensure they can perform to the best of their ability. The choice of clothing, for example, may be literally a matter between life and death.

As the nature of warfare and the military environment rapidly change, defence equipment needs to continually evolve. There is an essential need for continual investment in equipment and clothing to increase soldiers' chances of survival. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is the MOD department responsible for developing and supplying defence equipment. They are continually listening to the needs of soldiers and they work closely with scientists and engineers to ensure that new technologies are exploited and affordable cutting edge equipment is supplied.

This lesson focuses on camouflage clothing which has witnessed significant changes since the 19th century. The evolution of camouflage clothing is mainly due to the changing nature of warfare and improvements in manufacturing processes. Whilst modern camouflage has visually evolved to work effectively in desert and woodland environments, it still poses a problem in urban areas.

The main challenge is camouflaging soldiers to evade detection by devices that work in non-visible regions i.e. infrared and thermal detectors. A solution is yet to be found that keeps a soldier camouflaged in visible light and against night sights and thermal detectors. The evolution of camouflage continues.

The MOD's Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) is responsible for designing new technologies that can enhance British military equipment. In Episode 4 of this lesson, a range of new military product designs are presented. One that is still being trialled by DSTL is the 'second skin'. Details of all these new technologies and designs can be found on Student Worksheet 3.

Further Opportunities for Learning

The 'Product Analysis' lesson plan complements this lesson. Students choose to complete an analysis of camouflage, helmets or waterproofs. They are then required to design combat clothing for a future soldier.

Select a civilian product and study how it has evolved over the years.

Research how military camouflage has affected civilian fashion and society.

Compare the similarities and differences of camouflage clothing to one other occupational dress / uniforms of your choice.

Outdoor exercise - experiment with personal camouflage technique. If equipment is available demonstrate the problem of concealment when infrared and radar equipment is in use.

Student worksheet answers

Download the teachers notes PDF to access the answers for this lesson.