Lesson Plan

AQA Level 3 Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronic Engineering

Unit Number: 6

Unit Name: Mechatronic Project Management

Assessment or Performance Outcome: Internal Assessment

Tutor Name:

Group or Cohort
Week No. / 11
Date
Guidance Notes:
This lesson involves calculating processing costs for a subassembly. As a precursor to performing the calculations, learners need to have completed Performance Outcome 1 of unit 5 (understanding manufacturing processes) and Performance Outcome 2 of unit 2 (produce a general assembly diagram).
Length – 1 hour
Links to other Assessment or Performance Outcomes: Direct link to P7; could also contribute to P8

Lesson Objective

All learners must be able to calculate the cost of manufacturing a subassembly and the cost of using bought-in components to create an assembly.

Most learners should be able to compare the costs of manufacturing a single component using different processing techniques.

Some learners could be able to compare the use of standard components and manufactured parts in a product, considering financial and quality issues.

Lesson Plan: Unit 6 Mechatronic Project Management

Qualification: Level 3 Technical Level Engineering


Activities

Starter/Engagement activity: Short film clip showing the manufacturing processes used to manufacture the product used in the following activity. (5 minutes)

Teacher-led: overview of what is required to calculate costs associated with using a particular process and use a working example to demonstrate the mathematical process. (15 minutes)

Paired work: Distribute an engineering drawing for

a subassembly consisting of multiple parts (at least one of which is a standard component), associated production plans for two different manufacturing routes (including timings for operations) and a data sheet showing the power ratings for various manufacturing tools and the current cost of a unit of electricity. Learners must calculate the approximate cost of manufacturing at least one item in the subassembly. Different learners could be allocated different items. (20 minutes)

Presentations and peer assessment. Each pair presents their calculations. Learners discuss which manufacturing route is the most appropriate choice, taking into account financial and quality issues. (15

minutes)
Plenary: Teacher-led summary of choices available when choosing suitable manufacturing processes and how this can impact on a mechatronic design. (5 minutes)
Synoptic Assessment
Links to maths for engineers in unit 2, costing materials and material/process selection in unit 4
Engineering Design, understanding manufacturing processes in unit 5 Production and manufacturing,
and interpreting engineering drawings in unit 2
Mechanical systems. / Stretch and Challenge activities?
The group activity could be extended to discuss the potential implications of maintenance requirements, tooling and resource requirements and legal requirements/relevant standards on whether components are manufactured or externally sourced.
Transferable Skills and/or Soft Skills
This lesson includes both paired and group activities, supporting the development of team working / English and Maths
Estimating strategies and calculating costs helps with maths learning.
Assessment
This individual presentations will be peer assessed. The group activity could also be assessed by the teacher, to provide detailed feedback. / Meaningful employer engagement
Introductory film clip supports the demonstration of the context. This activity could also be linked to a visit to a local employer, or the subassembly drawing could even be obtained from a local employer.

Lesson Plan: Unit 6 Mechatronic Project Management

Qualification: Level 3 Technical Level Engineering