Lesson Plan

• Describe the principles behind offset lithography, flexography, gravure, sublimation, and pad printing.
• Compare the advantages, limitations, and typical applications of each printing method.
• Analyse which printing technique is most suitable for a given product requirement.
• Evaluate the environmental and economic considerations of each method.

• Projector and screen
• Printed handouts with diagrams of each method
• Sample substrates (paper, polymer film, polyester fabric)
• Ink samples for each process
• Heat press (for sublimation demo)
• Silicone pad and etched plate (for pad‑printing demo)
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a short video showing diverse printed products to spark interest. Ask learners what they already know about how these items are produced, linking to prior knowledge of basic printing concepts. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the most appropriate printing method for a specific design brief.

1. Starter – Quick Kahoot quiz on printing terminology (5').
2. Direct instruction – Teacher presents each method with slides and key diagrams (10').
3. Station rotation – Small groups explore sample materials and demonstrate each technique, recording principles and applications (15').
4. Whole‑class debrief – Groups share findings; teacher highlights comparisons and corrects misconceptions (10').
5. Guided worksheet – Students complete a comparison table linking methods to advantages and typical uses (10').
6. Check for understanding – Exit ticket: “Which printing method would you choose for a custom polyester T‑shirt and why?” (5').

Recap the five printing methods, emphasizing their unique principles and best‑fit applications. Collect exit tickets to gauge individual understanding and address any lingering questions. Assign homework: research a real‑world product that uses one of the methods and prepare a brief justification for its selection.