Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on a practical image production project using screen printing. Teachers should ensure all necessary materials and tools are available and properly set up before the lesson. Emphasise safety precautions when handling printing equipment and chemicals. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to practically demonstrate the process of making a print and reproducing a design using the same screen.
Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 12
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Previous Lesson: Using Enlargers and Translucent Printing Paper
Topic: PROJECT
Subject Matter: Image production
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the materials and tools required for screen printing image production.
- Explain the basic steps involved in creating a print using the screen printing method.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of precision and neatness in image production.
- Collaborate effectively with peers during practical print-making activities.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the practical process of making a print using a screen.
- Reproduce a design effectively using the same screen for multiple prints.
- Handle screen printing tools and materials safely and correctly.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Printing Craft for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 3
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Screen printing frame with mesh
- Squeegee
- Printing ink (water-based or oil-based)
- Paper or fabric for printing
- Prepared stencil/design
- Mixing palette
- Cleaning rags
- Water (for water-based inks)
- Safety gloves and aprons
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson provides students with hands-on experience in image production, a fundamental skill in printing craft. It enables them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, fostering creativity and technical proficiency. Understanding image production is essential for further studies and careers in graphic design, textile printing, and commercial printing.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of design principles and familiarity with some printing materials and tools from previous lessons.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Image Production Project
Introduction to Screen Printing Image Production
Image production in printing craft involves creating multiple copies of a design or image onto various surfaces like paper, fabric, or plastic. Screen printing is a popular method that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas blocked by a stencil.
Materials and Tools for Screen Printing
The essential materials and tools required for a screen printing project include:
- Screen Printing Frame: A wooden or metal frame stretched with a fine mesh fabric.
- Squeegee: A rubber blade used to push ink evenly across the screen.
- Printing Ink: Special inks designed for screen printing, available in various colours and types (e.g., water-based, oil-based).
- Substrate: The material onto which the image is printed (e.g., paper, t-shirt, bag).
- Stencil: A design cut out of paper or created using photo emulsion on the screen, which blocks ink from passing through certain areas.
- Mixing Palette: A surface for mixing inks.
- Cleaning Rags and Solvents: For cleaning screens and tools after use.
- Safety Gloves and Aprons: To protect hands and clothing from ink.
Steps in Making a Print (Screen Printing Process)
The general steps to make a print using screen printing are:
- Prepare the Screen: Ensure the screen is clean and the stencil is properly adhered to it, blocking all areas where ink should not pass.
- Position the Substrate: Place the paper or fabric accurately beneath the screen, ensuring it is flat and aligned.
- Apply Ink: Pour a line of printing ink across the top edge of the screen, just above the design.
- Flood the Screen: Use the squeegee to gently pull the ink over the entire design area without applying pressure, ensuring the mesh is filled with ink.
- Print the Image: Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and apply firm, even pressure to pull the ink across the design in a single, smooth stroke. This pushes the ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the substrate.
- Lift the Screen: Carefully lift the screen to reveal the printed image.
- Dry the Print: Allow the printed item to dry completely.
- Clean Up: Immediately clean the screen, squeegee, and other tools to prevent ink from drying and clogging the mesh.
Reproducing a Design Using the Same Screen
One of the advantages of screen printing is the ability to reproduce the same design multiple times efficiently:
- After making the first print, ensure the screen and stencil are still clean and intact.
- Place the next substrate (paper, fabric, etc.) in the exact same position as the previous one.
- Repeat the steps for applying ink, flooding the screen, and pulling the squeegee with consistent pressure.
- Continue this process for as many reproductions as needed, ensuring the screen is kept clean and the ink supply is replenished.
- For high-volume production, a drying rack or conveyor dryer may be used to speed up the drying process between prints.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Demonstration, Practical Activity, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Individual Practice
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the lesson by asking students about different ways images are put on t-shirts or posters. The teacher then explains that today’s lesson is a practical project on image production using screen printing.
Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Introduction to image production
Step 2: Identification of Materials and Tools
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the screen printing materials and tools. The teacher identifies and explains the function of each item (screen, squeegee, ink, stencil, substrate, etc.).
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the materials and tools, listen to explanations, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Screen printing materials
Step 3: Demonstration of Print Making
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads students through a step-by-step demonstration of making a print, from preparing the screen to lifting it and drying the print. The teacher emphasizes safety precautions.
Pupils’ Activity: Students carefully observe the teacher’s demonstration, paying attention to each step and safety instructions.
Learning Point: Steps in print making
Step 4: Guided Practice – First Print
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides each group to make their first print, providing support and correcting errors as they occur. The teacher ensures proper handling of tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Students, in their groups, attempt to make their first print under the teacher’s guidance, following the demonstrated steps.
Learning Point: Practical print application
Step 5: Illustrating Reproduction of Design
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher illustrates how to reproduce the design using the same screen, explaining the importance of consistent positioning and pressure for multiple prints.
Pupils’ Activity: Students observe and listen to the teacher’s explanation on reproducing designs.
Learning Point: Design reproduction technique
Step 6: Guided Practice – Reproducing Prints
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further guides students to reproduce their designs multiple times using the same screen, ensuring they maintain quality and consistency.
Pupils’ Activity: Students practice reproducing their prints, focusing on consistency and quality.
Learning Point: Consistent print reproduction
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention three materials needed for screen printing.
- What is the function of a squeegee in screen printing?
- Describe one step in making a print.
- How do you ensure consistency when reproducing a design?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Understanding image production process
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on image production and screen printing steps into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson information
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Concluding
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by commending students on their practical efforts and reiterates the importance of image production skills in various industries.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and tidy up their workstations.
Learning Point: Practical skill reinforcement
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Project/Practice Exercise
Instruction: Students should continue practicing image production by creating 5 identical prints of a simple design on paper or fabric using the screen printing method. They should present their finished prints in the next class.
- Prepare a simple design for screen printing.
- Gather all necessary materials and tools.
- Produce five identical prints of your design.
- Ensure neatness and consistency in all prints.
- Present your project for assessment.
Lesson Keywords
- Image production – The process of creating multiple copies of a design or image.
- Screen printing – A printing technique using a mesh screen to transfer ink.
- Squeegee – A tool with a rubber blade used to push ink across a screen.
- Stencil – A template used to block ink from certain areas of a screen.
- Reproduction – The act of making multiple copies of an image or design.
Differentiation
For slower learners, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance during the practical sessions, simplifying the design to be printed and offering pre-prepared stencils. Faster learners can be encouraged to experiment with different ink colours, printing on varied substrates, or creating more complex multi-layered designs.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for:
- “Screen printing basics for beginners”
- “How to make a screen print step by step”
- “Image reproduction using screen printing”
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure all screen printing materials and tools are ready and in good working condition. Arrange the classroom or workshop to facilitate practical work, ensuring adequate space for each group. Begin by clearly identifying and explaining each tool. During the demonstration, break down the process into small, manageable steps, allowing students to observe closely. Supervise closely during guided practice, providing immediate feedback and correcting any incorrect handling of tools or materials. Emphasize safety at all times, especially when handling inks and cleaning agents. Students should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical demonstration and evaluation. Encourage students to critically evaluate their own prints for quality and consistency. For weaker learners, simplify the task; for faster learners, challenge them with more intricate designs or colour variations.

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