Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: How digital technology is used in the design and development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of products.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how CAD, simulation and generative design support rapid product development.
  • Explain the role of CNC, additive manufacturing, IIoT and digital twins in modern manufacturing.
  • Analyse how CRM, AR/VR, e‑commerce and data analytics transform marketing and sales.
  • Evaluate the impact of digital technologies on sustainability, time‑to‑market and workforce skills.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Computer with CAD and simulation software (e.g., Fusion 360, ANSYS)
  • Sample 3‑D printed part or CNC‑machined component
  • Printed handout of the digital‑technology life‑cycle table
  • QR codes linking to AR product visualisations
  • Worksheet for case‑study analysis
 Introduction:

Begin with a short video showing a smart thermostat being designed, manufactured and sold entirely through digital tools. Ask learners to recall any digital software they have used in previous projects. Outline today’s success criteria: identify key technologies at each product stage and discuss their benefits.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students list digital tools they know and place them on a blank product‑life‑cycle diagram.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of digital technology in design & development (CAD, simulation, generative design, cloud PLM).
  3. Demo (10'): Quick walkthrough of a 3‑D model being exported to a CNC machine and a 3‑D printer.
  4. Group activity (15'): Analyse the smart‑home thermostat case study; each group completes a table of technology, stage, and benefit.
  5. Marketing & sales discussion (10'): Explore AR/VR, CRM and e‑commerce examples; students view an AR visualisation via QR code.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Whole‑class quiz using Kahoot! covering key concepts.
  7. Reflection (5'): Students write one way digital tech could improve a product they use daily.
Conclusion:

Summarise how digital tools streamline the product life‑cycle from concept to after‑sales support. Collect exit tickets where pupils note the single technology they found most impactful and why. Assign homework: research a recent product launch and identify at least three digital technologies used.