Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The advantages/disadvantages of applying finishes to a material to improve: performance, aesthetics.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose of surface finishes and differentiate between mechanical, chemical, thermal, coating, and surface‑treatment finishes.
  • Explain how specific finishes improve performance attributes such as hardness, corrosion resistance, friction, fatigue strength and thermal resistance.
  • Evaluate the aesthetic effects of finishes and identify potential drawbacks.
  • Apply a decision‑making framework to select an appropriate finish based on performance, aesthetic, cost and environmental criteria.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint/slide deck summarising finish types and tables
  • Sample material pieces with different finishes (polished, painted, anodised)
  • Handout with decision‑making framework and comparison tables
  • Worksheets for group activity / exit ticket
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing a product before and after coating to spark curiosity. Review prior knowledge that students understand basic material properties and why surface condition matters. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to list major finish types, discuss their advantages/disadvantages, and justify a finish choice for a design brief.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – students list everyday objects that look different because of a surface finish.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – present types of finishes and their performance/aesthetic benefits using slides and the sample pieces.
  3. Guided analysis (10') – students examine the provided tables and fill a graphic organiser comparing benefits and drawbacks for two finishes.
  4. Group decision‑making activity (15') – each group receives a design brief; using the decision‑making framework they choose a finish and justify it while the teacher circulates.
  5. Check for understanding (5') – whole‑class share of choices, rapid‑fire questioning, and collection of exit tickets.
Conclusion:
Summarise that finishes bridge material selection and product performance, balancing functional and visual goals. Students complete an exit ticket stating one performance and one aesthetic advantage of their chosen finish. For homework, they research a real‑world product, identify the finish used, and explain its impact on performance and appearance.