Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: The use of the following processing techniques: wastage (cutting with hand and machine tools, including laser cutter, vinyl cutting machine, drilling, using hand, powered and press drills, turning, using a wood lathe and centre lathe, milling and rou
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key cutting, drilling, turning, milling and routing techniques and the materials they are suited to.
  • Compare the accuracy, speed and waste of hand tools versus machine tools.
  • Apply correct safety procedures and set‑up for each processing method.
  • Evaluate which processing technique best meets design tolerances and production volume for a given component.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for presentation.
  • Sample raw materials (cardboard, acrylic sheet, wood blocks, metal blanks).
  • Hand tools – utility knife, hand saw, tin snips, hand drill.
  • Machine tools – band saw, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, powered drill, press drill, wood lathe, centre lathe, milling machine, router.
  • Safety equipment – safety goggles, ear protection, gloves.
  • Worksheets/handouts for note‑taking and assessment.
Introduction:

Begin with a quick video showing a component being produced using different processing techniques to spark curiosity. Ask learners what factors they think influence the choice of tool. Outline today’s success criteria: identify techniques, compare their capabilities and demonstrate safe set‑up.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list as many cutting and shaping tools as they can recall.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of wastage techniques – hand vs. machine tools, laser, vinyl cutter, drills, lathes, milling/router.
  3. Demonstration (15'): Teacher shows safe set‑up and operation of a laser cutter and a hand drill, highlighting accuracy and waste.
  4. Group activity (15'): Teams compare two techniques (e.g., hand saw vs. band saw) using the summary table and record advantages/limitations.
  5. Safety check (5'): Quick quiz on PPE and machine guarding.
  6. Plenary (5'): Whole‑class discussion linking technique choice to material, tolerance and production volume.
Conclusion:

Recap the key factors that drive the selection of a processing technique and emphasise the importance of safety. Students complete an exit ticket matching a scenario to the most appropriate tool. Assign homework: research a real‑world product and justify the processing methods used.