Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: Improvements to a manufacturing system, including the use of templates to mark out shapes repeatedly and jigs and formers used to make a product.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and benefits of templates, jigs and formers in high‑volume production.
  • Explain the design considerations for selecting materials and features of these tools.
  • Apply a step‑by‑step procedure to set up and use a template for marking a workpiece.
  • Analyse how the use of these tools impacts cycle time, accuracy and waste.
  • Evaluate a simple production scenario to calculate time savings from using a template.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sample templates (paper, metal) and a workpiece
  • Jig/former demo kit (drilling jig, bending former)
  • Worksheets with template‑design tasks
  • Rulers, clamps, marking pens
  • Calculator or spreadsheet for time‑saving calculations
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a fast‑moving assembly line and ask students how consistency is achieved. Recall previous lessons on basic tooling and CAD modelling. Today’s success criteria are that students will explain the role of templates, jigs and formers, demonstrate their set‑up, and calculate the productivity gain.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick written response on why repeatability matters.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of templates – types, advantages, design considerations (slides).
  3. Hands‑on demo (15'): Teacher shows template set‑up; students practice marking a sample workpiece.
  4. Jigs & formers demo (15'): Demonstrate a drilling jig and a bending former; discuss design guidelines.
  5. Group activity (20'): Teams design a simple template, choose material, list reference points, then calculate time saved using provided data.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz (Kahoot) on definitions and benefits.
  7. Plenary (5'): Recap key points, exit ticket – one sentence on how these tools improve production.
Conclusion:
Summarise that templates, jigs and formers increase accuracy, speed and reduce waste, linking back to the success criteria. Collect exit tickets and address any remaining misconceptions. Homework: research a real‑world product that uses a jig and prepare a brief description of its function.