Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: Types of finish and methods of application, including: embossing/debossing paper and card, UV varnishing/spot varnishing on paper and card, hot foil blocking on paper and card, paints, sealants, varnishes, anodising, plating, coating.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main surface‑finish types for paper, card, metal and plastic and their functional benefits.
  • Explain the key process parameters and equipment used for embossing, UV varnishing, foil stamping, anodising, plating and coating.
  • Compare the advantages and limitations of each finish to inform material and design decisions.
  • Apply safety and environmental considerations when selecting and carrying out finishing processes.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Printed handout summarising finishes and decision flowchart
  • Sample substrates (paper, cardstock, aluminium sheet)
  • Small embossing die demo set
  • UV lamp and UV‑curable varnish
  • Foil sheets (metallic and matte) for hot‑foil demo
  • Paintbrushes, small paint pots, safety goggles, gloves, lab coats
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual showcase of everyday products that display different finishes, asking students to identify the effects they see. Review prior knowledge of basic coating concepts and the role of surface finishes in product design. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to select appropriate finishes based on function, substrate and sustainability criteria.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three product finishes they have encountered and discuss their purposes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15'): Overview of paper/card finishes (embossing, UV varnish, foil) with sample demonstrations.
  3. Mini‑lecture (15'): Overview of metal/plastic finishes (paints, anodising, plating, powder coating) supported by a short video.
  4. Guided activity (20'): In groups, use the decision flowchart to choose a finish for a given design brief and complete a comparison table.
  5. Safety walk‑through (5'): Highlight PPE, heat, UV and chemical hazards and proper waste disposal.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz on key parameters, advantages and limitations.
  7. Plenary (5'): Recap key take‑aways, collect exit tickets and outline homework.
Conclusion:
Recap the main finishes covered and emphasise how the decision flowchart links function, substrate and sustainability. Students complete an exit ticket naming the most suitable finish for a new product idea. For homework, each student researches a real‑world product, identifies its surface finish, and writes a brief justification of the choice.