Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: Practical and efficient methods of conversion and transmission of energy through simple mechanisms, machines, engines, turbines and electric motors.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the principles of energy conversion and the factors affecting efficiency.
  • Explain how simple mechanisms and machines transform and transmit energy.
  • Compare the operation and efficiency of different electric motors and transmission systems.
  • Apply calculations to determine power, speed, and torque for a given design.
  • Evaluate design choices based on criteria such as efficiency, cost, and control complexity.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheets with calculation exercises
  • Set of gears, pulleys, belts, and small DC motor kits
  • Multimeter and dynamometer for measuring voltage, current, and power
  • Laptop with simulation software (e.g., CAD/energy analysis)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick video of a wind turbine powering a household appliance to spark interest. Review students’ prior knowledge of energy forms and simple machines, linking to the efficiency formula. Outline the success criteria: students will be able to calculate conversion efficiency, select appropriate mechanisms, and justify control choices.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students calculate efficiency from a given input/output energy table.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of energy conversion fundamentals and key equations.
  3. Hands‑on stations (20’) – Groups rotate through gear‑train, pulley‑belt, and DC motor rigs, recording measurements.
  4. Guided analysis (10’) – Use collected data to compute real‑world efficiencies and discuss losses.
  5. Control systems demo (10’) – Show PWM motor speed control with a microcontroller and discuss advantages.
  6. Design challenge briefing (5’) – Introduce a brief task to design a simple power transmission system meeting specified criteria.
  7. Plenary (5’) – Recap key concepts, share findings, and clarify any misconceptions.
Conclusion:
Summarise how efficient energy conversion and transmission depend on appropriate mechanism selection and control. Students complete an exit ticket stating one design improvement they would make. Assign homework to research a real‑world application of PWM control and prepare a short summary.