Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The stages in a product’s life cycle: research and development, introduction, growth, maturity, decline.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the five stages of a product life cycle and their key characteristics.
  • Explain how design and marketing decisions differ across each stage.
  • Analyse real‑world product examples to identify their current PLC stage.
  • Evaluate strategic options for a product that has entered the decline stage.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with PLC diagram
  • Handout worksheet containing stage comparison table
  • Printed case‑study product examples
  • Sticky notes and markers for group work
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: Which everyday product do you think is at the end of its life? Review the previous lesson on market research and link it to the need for understanding a product’s lifespan. Today students will explore the five PLC stages, identify them in real products, and use the success criteria displayed on the board.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list three personal products and guess their PLC stage on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Teacher presents the PLC overview with a diagram, highlighting objectives of each stage.
  3. Guided analysis (15’) – In pairs, groups examine case‑study sheets, match evidence to PLC stages, and justify their choices.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (10’) – Groups share findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions and adds marketing strategy points.
  5. Strategy brainstorming (10’) – Groups propose an appropriate strategy for a product in the decline stage and record ideas on a poster.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick quiz (Kahoot or show of hands) on key characteristics of each stage.
Conclusion:
Recap the defining features of each PLC stage and how designers adjust strategies accordingly. Students complete an exit ticket by writing the current stage of a product they own and one suggested action. For homework, each student researches a product and prepares a brief PLC chart to share in the next lesson.