| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Design and Technology |
| Lesson Topic: Factors that are considered when designing products to have minimum impact on the environment: raw material extraction, energy consumption, ease of repair and maintenance, disposal at the end of life. |
Learning Objective/s:
- Identify the four key sustainability factors influencing product design.
- Evaluate the environmental impact of raw material extraction, energy use, repairability and end‑of‑life disposal.
- Apply a simple lifecycle energy equation to compare design alternatives.
- Propose design modifications that improve recyclability, repairability and overall environmental performance.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation
- Printed worksheets with case‑study examples
- Sample product components (modular housing, standard fasteners)
- Sticky notes, markers and pens
- Laptop for teacher
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What happens to a product after you stop using it?” Use the responses to highlight the product lifecycle. Remind students of previous work on material properties. State that today they will learn how each lifecycle stage can be designed for minimal environmental impact.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5'): Students list common waste items and suggest one way to make each more sustainable.
- Mini‑lecture (15'): Present the four sustainability factors with real‑world examples (slides + sample components).
- Group analysis (20'): In teams, students evaluate a case‑study product using a worksheet, filling in impacts for each factor.
- Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups share findings; teacher highlights good design strategies and gaps.
- Design challenge (15'): Teams redesign one aspect of the case‑study product to improve its environmental profile, then present a brief justification.
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Conclusion:
Recap the four factors and how they interlink across a product’s life. Ask students to write one “actionable takeaway” on a sticky note as an exit ticket. For homework, they should research a household item and create a short report identifying its sustainability strengths and weaknesses.
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