Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: Basic principles of manual, semi-automatic and automatic control using input, output, feedback and amplification.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the roles of input, output, feedback and amplification in control systems.
  • Compare manual, semi‑automatic and automatic control types and identify suitable applications.
  • Analyse a control problem and select appropriate components (sensor, actuator, amplifier) to design a functional system.
  • Apply basic transfer‑function concepts to evaluate closed‑loop performance.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Printed worksheets with circuit diagrams and comparison tables
  • Arduino or breadboard kits (relays, transistors, op‑amps)
  • Push‑buttons and limit switches
  • 24 V DC motor and driver (H‑bridge)
  • Multimeters
  • Laptops with simulation software (e.g., Falstad or LTspice)
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick visual of a bicycle brake and a thermostat to hook interest. Ask students what they already know about how a system decides when to act. Explain that today they will explore how input, output, feedback and amplification shape different levels of control, and they will be able to design a simple semi‑automatic lift by the end of the lesson.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Short quiz on key terms (input, output, feedback, amplification).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the four concepts and illustrate with real‑world examples.
  3. Comparison activity (10'): In groups, fill a table contrasting manual, semi‑automatic and automatic control (degree of human involvement, typical input, feedback, example).
  4. Hands‑on design challenge (20'): Build a semi‑automatic platform lift using a push‑button, motor driver, and limit switch; test operation.
  5. Guided walkthrough (10'): Teacher projects the circuit schematic and block diagram, links the build to transfer‑function basics.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – “Name one advantage of adding feedback to a control system.”
Conclusion:

Recap how input, output, feedback and amplification interact across the three control types. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a homework task: design a fully automatic temperature‑controlled fan circuit on paper, specifying the sensor, controller and amplification method.