Visual Communication Journey

Lesson Plan Overview

Below is a six-lesson plan designed to introduce Year 9 students in Australia to the world of graphics and its functions within the subject of Industrial Technology and Design (ITD). Each lesson links specifically to the Australian Curriculum: Design and Technologies (Years 9-10) - Content Descriptions ACTDIP043, ACTDIP044, and ACTDIP046. These lessons build foundational skills in visual communication, technical literacy, and practical application in ITD, while fostering creativity and real-world problem-solving.

The topics and tasks have been tailored for Year 9 students, ensuring age-appropriateness while introducing concepts in an engaging, hands-on manner. The curriculum encourages students to “evaluate how well solutions and designs meet needs,” and each lesson provides opportunities for critical discussion and reflection.

---

Lesson 1: Why Graphics Matter

Objective: Introduce the role of graphics in ITD and its real-world applications. Duration: 70 minutes

Key Activities:

1. Class Discussion (10 mins):

   • Pose the question: "Where do we see graphics in everyday life?"
   • Build a word cloud as a class (e.g., road signs, app interfaces, product labels). Use this as a real-world connection to graphics design.

2. Interactive Presentation (15 mins):

   • Explain the importance of graphics (e.g., communication clarity, functionality, aesthetics).
   • Connect to Australian industries like construction, product design, and graphic design.

3. Group Analysis (20 mins):

   • Provide examples of good and poor graphic design (e.g., product packaging, instruction manuals).
   • In small groups, students analyse these designs using criteria: usability, aesthetics, and clarity. Groups present findings.

4. Handbook Sketch Task (20 mins):

   • Each student sketches their idea of a clear, user-friendly road sign for a new school drop-off zone.

5. Reflection (5 mins):

   • Journal entry: "What makes a graphic effective, and why does it matter in ITD?"

---

Lesson 2: Technical Drawings

Objective: Understand, read, and create basic technical drawings used in ITD. Duration: 70 minutes

Key Activities:

1. Warm-Up Quiz (5 mins):

   • Quick quiz – identify common technical drawing symbols and their meaning (provided in handout).

2. Teacher Demonstration (20 mins):

   • Step-by-step how to sketch a 2D orthographic projection using grid paper.
   • Explain concepts like scale, dimensioning, and line types (e.g., hidden, boundary).

3. Practical Task – A Simple Box (35 mins):

   • Students use measurement tools to draw a 2D orthographic projection of a simple box with specific given dimensions.

4. Peer Feedback (10 mins):

   • Swap drawings with a partner and leave constructive feedback: Does it meet the technical standards? Is the scale accurate?

---

Lesson 3: CAD Basics

Objective: Learn the fundamentals of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools for technical graphics. Duration: 70 minutes

Key Activities:

1. Introduction (5 mins):

   • Discuss the evolution of design and how CAD replaced traditional drawing boards.

2. Hands-on Demo [Fusion 360 / SketchUp or Similar] (20 mins):

   • Instructor projects CAD software on a screen and demonstrates creating a simple 3D cube.
   • Demonstrate zoom, orbit tools, and adding dimensions.

3. Student Practice (40 mins):

   • Students recreate the on-screen example.
   • Extension task: Add a circular cutout to one surface.

4. Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 mins):

   • Students write down one new skill they learned and one skill they’d like help with.

---

Lesson 4: Graphics in Problem-Solving

Objective: Use visuals to develop design solutions for real-world problems. Duration: 70 minutes

Key Activities:

1. Problem Presentation (5 mins):

   • Present a real-world scenario: "Design a protective casing for a fragile item like a phone screen during postage."

2. Decision-Making in Pairs (10 mins):

   • Students brainstorm possible design options using freehand sketches.

3. Digital Prototype (45 mins):

   • Use CAD software to start designing the casing’s 3D model.
   • Focus on practical considerations: size, material strength, aesthetic appeal.

4. Class Showcase (10 mins):

   • Select a few projects for students to briefly present.

---

Lesson 5: Storytelling through Graphics

Objective: Explore how graphics tell stories and convey messages effectively. Duration: 70 minutes

Key Activities:

1. Class Poll (5 mins):

   • Ask: “What’s the most powerful graphic you’ve ever seen?” Discuss choices.

2. Case Studies (15 mins):

   • Explore iconic graphics like government health warnings, bushfire evacuation maps, or Indigenous art in design.

3. Design a Safety Poster (45 mins):

   • Individual task: Create a graphic safety poster explaining proper workshop safety protocols (e.g., wearing goggles, handling tools correctly).
   • Include clear visuals, symbols, and minimal but effective text.

4. Gallery Walk (5 mins):

   • Posters are displayed around the room for quick peer review and feedback.

---

Lesson 6: Graphics Project

Objective: Consolidate learning by creating a final project. Duration: 70 minutes, with part of it serving as a summative assessment.

Key Activities:

1. Overview & Planning (10 mins):

   • Students choose from two options for their final project:
     1. Create a fully annotated 3D CAD model of a simple piece of furniture or tool.
     2. Design a set of packaging graphics for a sustainable product.

2. Design Time (55 mins):

   • Students use a combination of sketching and CAD software to create their designs.
   • Teacher circulates room, providing individualised feedback.

3. Self-Assessment (5 mins):

   • Students assess their progress against provided success criteria.

---

Key Resources

• Grid paper, rulers, and pencils
• Fusion 360 or SketchUp (or equivalent CAD software)
• Australian Design Standards (refer to ACTDIP043, ACTDIP044, ACTDIP046)

Assessment Opportunities

• Ongoing teacher observation through lessons.
• Peer feedback (formative).
• Final project (summative).

This six-lesson sequence introduces functional, creative, and technological uses of graphics in ITD, fostering Year 9 students' confidence and preparedness in applying these skills to practical contexts.