week 8

Understand and apply concepts related to: Cable management lengths (IT) 

Measuring lengths and optimising cable routes. 
 
A

Activity 1 – Scenario-Based Investigation (Student Version)

Time: 25–30 minutes
Format: Small groups (2–3 learners)

Scenario

You are part of the Digital Support Team at a college. A new computer suite is being installed, and your manager has asked you to recommend the most efficient cable routes for connecting:

• Four student PCs

• One printer

• The main network switch

The challenge is to calculate physical distances and choose cable routes that:

• Minimise total length

• Avoid hazards (walkways, doors, trip risks)

• Follow realistic network installation practice

• Stay within the maximum Ethernet cable length of 100 metres

Task Steps

1. Study the room layout (provided on the worksheet).

2. Measure or estimate distances between devices using the scale (e.g., 1cm = 1m).

3. Calculate cable lengths for three possible route options.

4. Compare routes and decide which is optimal based on:

   • Shortest total length

   • Safety/compliance

   • Practicality

5. Justify your decision in a short written explanation.

Activity 2 – Interactive Group Simulation

Time: 20–25 minutes
Format: Teams of 3–4
Software Option: Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, or Visio (choose one)

Simulation Summary

Simulate planning a cable run using digital tools. Place virtual cable, measure distances using built-in tools, and optimise the routing.

Instructions

1. Open the interactive template

2. Drag and drop objects (PCs, switch, printer, obstacles).

3. Draw cable routes using lines or connectors.

4. Use measurement features:

   • PowerPoint: “Format - Size” to check line length

   • Visio: built-in measurement tools

   • Excel: cell counting (1 cell = fixed distance)

5. Calculate total cable lengths into a results table.

6. Optimise your layout by adjusting routes.

7. Screenshot final solution and annotate:

   • Cable lengths

   • Route choices

   • Reason for chosen layout

Understand and apply concepts related to: VR arena layouts (Esports) 

Working with 3D space and volume. 
 
Activities: 
1. Scenario-based investigation. 
2. Interactive group simulation based on the topic. 
3. Practical worksheet task to reinforce the maths skill (see worksheet attached below). 
 
**British Value – Individual Liberty:** Learners apply maths in a way that suits their strengths. 

 
[Worksheet embedded here: Week_20_TaskSheet.docx]

Last Updated
2025-11-16 20:31:46