Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: how technology is changing production methods through automation and mechanisation, e.g. Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM) and 3D Printing
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe automation and mechanisation and differentiate between them.
  • Explain how CAM and 3D printing transform production processes.
  • Analyse benefits and disadvantages of using automation, mechanisation, and 3D printing for businesses.
  • Apply cost‑benefit and break‑even analysis to evaluate investment in CAM or 3D‑printing equipment.
  • Evaluate the impact of these technologies on product quality, flexibility and employment.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slide presentation.
  • Whiteboard and markers.
  • Handout summarising key concepts and the automation vs mechanisation table.
  • Laptop with CAD/CAM demo software (e.g., Fusion 360).
  • Video or live demo of a 3D printer in operation.
  • Worksheets with break‑even calculation exercises.
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing a 3D printer in action to capture interest. Ask students what they know about machines that operate with little human input, linking to prior lessons on production methods. Explain that today they will explore how automation, mechanisation, CAM and 3D printing reshape manufacturing and identify the success criteria: define terms, compare technologies and perform a simple break‑even calculation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Quick quiz on automation vs mechanisation displayed on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define automation, mechanisation, CAM and 3D printing; present the comparison table.
  3. Demonstration (12’) – Play video of CNC machining and 3D printing; walk through a CAD → CAM workflow using the laptop.
  4. Group activity (15’) – Pairs calculate the break‑even point for a CNC machine using the provided data worksheet.
  5. Class discussion (8’) – Groups share results; discuss advantages, disadvantages and strategic implications.
  6. Consolidation (5’) – Teacher summarises key points and revisits the success criteria.
  7. Exit ticket (5’) – Students write one way technology could give a competitive advantage to a business.
Conclusion:
Recap the definitions, the production workflow and the financial analysis we practiced. Use the exit ticket where pupils state one benefit of adopting CAM or 3D printing for a real‑world business. For homework, ask students to research a recent example of a company that has implemented 3D printing and prepare a brief summary to share in the next lesson.