Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The preparation of a manufacturing specification used to make a product in quantity.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and key components of a manufacturing specification for quantity production.
  • Explain how material and process selection affect cost, quality and environmental impact.
  • Apply dimensional tolerance and surface‑finish criteria to technical drawings.
  • Calculate batch size, lead‑time and unit cost using given formulas.
  • Compile a complete specification document that meets quality‑control and health‑safety requirements.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Student worksheets with specification template
  • Sample technical drawings (e.g., hand‑drill)
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Access to CAD software (optional)
  • Reference handouts on GD&T and batch calculations
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a high‑volume production line, prompting students to consider how designers ensure consistency. Review prior learning on product briefs and basic drawing interpretation, then state that today they will create a full manufacturing specification. Success will be demonstrated by producing a clear, correctly formatted spec that includes material, process, tolerance and batch data.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three challenges of scaling a prototype to mass production on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of specification sections and their purpose, using the hand‑drill example.
  3. Guided activity (15'): In pairs, students select materials and processes for a given product brief, justifying their choices.
  4. Drawing workshop (15'): Students add orthogonal views, critical dimensions and GD&T symbols to a provided CAD drawing.
  5. Batch calculation exercise (10'): Compute batch size, lead‑time and unit cost using supplied formulas.
  6. Specification compilation (15'): Groups assemble all sections into a formatted document; teacher circulates for feedback.
Conclusion:
Recap the key steps from brief to batch planning, emphasizing how each section supports quality and cost control. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one tip for ensuring accurate tolerances in a spec. For homework, they refine their draft specification and prepare a one‑page summary for the next lesson.