Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The working properties, common uses and environmental impact of the following biodegradable materials: polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), e.g. BIOPOL®, plastic made from corn/potato starch.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the mechanical, thermal and processability properties of PLA, PHB (BIOPOL®) and starch‑based plastics.
  • Compare the typical applications and environmental impacts of these three biodegradable polymers.
  • Evaluate which material is most suitable for a given design brief, considering performance, processing, cost and end‑of‑life options.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and laptop
  • Printed handouts with property tables and comparison chart
  • Worksheet for group activity
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sample images of PLA, PHB and starch‑based products
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Plastic waste is a global challenge; today we’ll explore greener alternatives. Recall the basic polymer concepts you’ve learned last week. By the end of the lesson you will be able to identify key properties of three biodegradable polymers and justify their use in a design project.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on polymer terminology (e.g., tensile strength, melt point).
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – Slides presenting properties, processing methods and common uses of PLA, PHB (BIOPOL®) and starch‑based plastics, with diagrams.
  3. Group comparison activity (20') – Using the handout, teams fill a pros/cons matrix for a design brief (e.g., disposable food container).
  4. Whole‑class discussion (10') – Each group shares their matrix; teacher highlights environmental impact considerations.
  5. Application task (15') – Students select the most suitable material for the brief and write a brief justification.
  6. Exit ticket (5') – Write one key takeaway about biodegradable polymers.
Conclusion:
We’ve reviewed the strengths, limitations and end‑of‑life options of three biodegradable polymers and linked them to real‑world design choices. Students hand in their exit tickets and receive a short homework: research a commercial product that uses one of these materials and prepare a one‑page summary for the next lesson.