| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Design and Technology |
| Lesson Topic: The advantages/disadvantages of hand and automated production systems used in manufacturing products. |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the main advantages and disadvantages of hand‑production systems.
- Explain the key advantages and disadvantages of automated production systems.
- Compare hand and automated systems using criteria such as cost, flexibility, quality and scalability.
- Evaluate which production method is most appropriate for a given product brief.
- Communicate findings clearly in a short written or oral summary.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation
- Printed handout with comparison table and Venn diagram
- Worksheets with scenario briefs
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sticky notes for exit tickets
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Introduction:
Show a 30‑second video contrasting a craftsperson shaping a wooden toy with a robotic arm assembling electronic components. Ask students to name which products they think are made by hand versus machines, linking to prior knowledge of manufacturing processes. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the strengths and limits of each system and justify a production choice.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick brain‑storm on the board – students list examples of hand‑made and automated products.
- Mini‑lecture – Hand Production (10'): Present advantages and disadvantages, using the slide and handout.
- Mini‑lecture – Automated Production (10'): Present advantages and disadvantages, referencing the same slide format.
- Comparative Activity (15'): In pairs, complete a Venn diagram on the handout comparing the two systems.
- Scenario Decision‑Making (10'): Groups receive a product brief and decide which system to use, recording reasons.
- Whole‑class Debrief (5'): Groups share decisions; teacher highlights key criteria.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that hand production offers flexibility and low start‑up cost, while automation provides speed, consistency and scalability. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one situation where hand production is preferable and one where automation is ideal. For homework, ask them to research a real product and note which production method is used and why.
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