Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The working properties, stock forms, sizes, common uses and environmental impact of ferrous and non‑ferrous metals
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key working properties of major ferrous and non‑ferrous metals.
  • Compare typical stock forms, sizes and common applications of these metals.
  • Analyse the environmental impacts associated with production, use and recycling of each metal.
  • Select appropriate metal materials for a given design brief based on properties and sustainability considerations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed handouts summarising metal properties
  • Sample metal specimens or high‑quality images
  • Worksheets for comparative table activity
  • Markers and flip chart for group discussion
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual quiz showing images of different metal components to activate prior knowledge.
Explain that understanding properties, forms and environmental impact is essential for material selection in design.
State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to describe, compare and evaluate metals for specific applications.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – students match metal images to names on a worksheet.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – overview of ferrous metals (properties, stock forms, uses).
  3. Interactive comparison (10') – groups fill a comparative table for ferrous metals.
  4. Mini‑lecture (10') – overview of non‑ferrous metals and alloys.
  5. Group activity (15') – compare non‑ferrous metals, discuss environmental impacts, complete worksheet.
  6. Whole‑class discussion (5') – share findings and clarify misconceptions.
  7. Exit ticket (5') – each student writes one metal they would choose for a design brief and why.
Conclusion:
Summarise the key differences between ferrous and non‑ferrous metals and their sustainability considerations.
Collect exit tickets as a quick retrieval check.
Assign homework: research a real product and justify the metal choice using the criteria discussed.