| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Design and Technology |
| Lesson Topic: Main sources of energy: fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal (finite), water, wind and solar (renewable). |
Learning Objective/s:
- Identify and classify the main energy sources as finite or renewable.
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each source for design projects.
- Explain how control systems optimise the conversion of energy.
- Evaluate environmental and economic factors when selecting an energy source.
- Apply this knowledge to propose a suitable energy solution for a given design brief.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Printed comparison‑chart handouts
- Energy‑source cards for group activity
- Laptop with simulation software (e.g., wind turbine model)
- Worksheet & pens
- Markers and whiteboard
- PLC/demo kit (optional for control‑system showcase)
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “What powers the devices you used this morning?” Students share answers, linking to prior knowledge of fuels. Explain that today they will explore which of those sources are finite or renewable and how designers choose among them. Success criteria are displayed: identify sources, compare them, and justify a choice using environmental and economic factors.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5 min): List personal energy‑use examples on sticky notes; quick share.
- Mini‑lecture with slides (10 min): Define finite vs renewable, present key examples (oil, gas, coal, water, wind, solar).
- Group comparison activity (15 min): Using handouts, fill a table of advantages/disadvantages for each source.
- Control‑systems demonstration (10 min): Show video/simulation of wind‑turbine pitch control; discuss sensors, controller, actuator loop.
- Design challenge (15 min): Teams select an energy source for a simple product, justify using the four criteria (carbon, availability, cost, regulation).
- Whole‑class debrief (5 min): Teams present proposals; teacher highlights key take‑aways.
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Conclusion:
Recap the classification of energy sources and the role of control systems in improving efficiency. For the exit ticket, each student writes one advantage of a renewable source over a fossil fuel. Homework: research a local renewable energy project and prepare a brief report linking it to design considerations.
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