| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Design and Technology |
| Lesson Topic: The working properties, stock forms, sizes and extrusions, common uses and environmental impact of the following polymers: thermoplastics (acrylic (PMMA), nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high and low density pol |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the key working properties of each listed thermoplastic.
- Compare typical stock forms, extrusion sizes and common applications.
- Evaluate the environmental impact and recycling options for each polymer.
- Select the most suitable polymer for a given design brief based on properties and sustainability.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Printed quick‑reference handout (table of polymers)
- Sample polymer specimens (sheets/rods of acrylic, PVC, PP, etc.)
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Worksheets for group activity
- Internet access for Kahoot quiz
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Introduction:
Begin with a 30‑second video showing everyday plastic products to hook students. Ask them to recall the last material they chose for a project and why. Explain that today they will deepen their knowledge of thermoplastics and be able to justify polymer choices using clear success criteria.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now – Quick quiz on previously covered material properties (5 minutes).
- Mini‑lecture with slides summarising properties, stock forms and uses of each polymer (15 minutes).
- Group matching activity: each group receives a set of polymer cards and application cards; they match and justify their choices (10 minutes).
- Hands‑on inspection of real polymer samples; students note dimensions, transparency, flexibility (10 minutes).
- Environmental impact discussion: compare recycling codes and life‑cycle concerns (10 minutes).
- Formative check – Kahoot quiz on key facts (5 minutes).
- Recap & exit ticket: students write one polymer they would select for a given brief and why (5 minutes).
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Conclusion:
Summarise the main differences in properties, forms and sustainability of the thermoplastics covered. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: research a recent product that uses one of the polymers and evaluate its environmental footprint.
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