Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The working properties, stock forms and sizes, common uses and environmental impact of the following woods: softwoods (pine, cedar, fir, spruce or equivalent local softwood), hardwoods (beech, oak, ash, teak or equivalent local hardwood).
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the working properties, stock forms, typical uses and environmental considerations of selected softwoods and hardwoods.
  • Compare the suitability of different woods for specific design applications.
  • Evaluate environmental impacts when selecting wood materials.
  • Apply knowledge to choose an appropriate wood for a given product brief.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed handouts summarising wood properties
  • Sample pieces (or high‑quality images) of pine, cedar, fir, spruce, beech, oak, ash and teak
  • Worksheets for comparative analysis
  • Markers and flip‑chart paper
  • Internet access for sustainability resources
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of various wooden products to spark interest. Review prior knowledge of basic material properties and ask students to predict which woods might be best for each item. Explain that today they will investigate the properties, forms and environmental impacts of common softwoods and hardwoods, and that success will be shown by accurately completing a comparison chart.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students list three wood products they use daily and note perceived properties.
  2. Mini‑lecture on softwoods (15') – Overview of pine, cedar, fir and spruce covering properties, stock forms, uses and sustainability.
  3. Group activity (15') – Each group receives a softwood sample/image and creates a quick fact sheet using the handout.
  4. Mini‑lecture on hardwoods (15') – Overview of beech, oak, ash and teak with the same focus.
  5. Comparative analysis (10') – Whole‑class discussion and Venn diagram comparing suitability for given design briefs.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Quick quiz/exit ticket summarising key points.
Conclusion:
Recap the key differences between softwoods and hardwoods and their environmental considerations. Students complete an exit ticket stating which wood they would select for a specified product and why. For homework, they research a locally sourced wood and prepare a brief report on its properties and sustainability.