Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: PRINTING PROCESSES
Subject Matter: Letterpress and relief printing, Offset printing, Lithographic printing, Panographic process, Functions of each printing process, Basic tools and materials used

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define printing processes.
List four types of printing processes.
Describe the basic principle of each printing process.
Identify basic tools and materials used in printing.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of different printing processes in daily life.
Participate actively in discussions about printing.

Psychomotor Domain:

Recognise samples of printing plates and other materials.
Handle basic printing tools carefully (simulated).

Collaborate with peers in identifying different printing processes.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Technology.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Printing Craft (Senior Secondary).
Akinwumi, O. (2018). Introductory Technology for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/printing-process
https://www.printindustry.com/printing-processes/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of printing plates (e.g., relief plate, offset plate).
Ink rollers.
Various paper stock samples.
Photos or diagrams of different printing presses (e.g., letterpress, offset press).
Samples of registration marks.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding printing processes is important for pupils to grasp how information is mass-produced and disseminated. This knowledge helps them appreciate the technology behind books, newspapers, and packaging, which are common in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of communication and the general idea of how images and text can be reproduced.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PRINTING PROCESSES

Definition of Printing Processes

Printing processes refer to the various methods used to transfer text, images, or designs from an original source (like a plate or digital file) onto a substrate, usually paper or fabric, for mass reproduction.

Types of Printing Processes

The following are common types of printing processes:

Letterpress and Relief Printing
Offset Printing
Lithographic Printing
Panographic Process (Gravure Printing)

Letterpress and Relief Printing

Letterpress is a relief printing method where the image or text to be printed is raised from the non-printing areas of the plate. Ink is applied only to the raised surface, and then pressed onto the paper to create the impression.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a widely used lithographic printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. It is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix.

Lithographic Printing

Lithography is a printing method that uses a flat surface (plate) with an image treated to repel water and attract oil-based ink, while the non-image areas attract water and repel ink. The image is transferred from the plate to the paper without direct contact between the plate and the paper.

Panographic Process (Gravure Printing)

Gravure printing, also known as the panographic process, is an intaglio printing technique where the image is engraved or etched into the surface of a printing cylinder. The recessed areas hold the ink, and excess ink is wiped from the non-recessed areas before the cylinder presses onto the paper, transferring the ink from the depressions.

Functions of Printing Processes

Printing processes serve several important functions:

Mass production of books, magazines, and newspapers for information dissemination.
Creation of packaging materials for products.
Production of promotional materials like flyers, posters, and brochures.
Manufacturing of stationery, business cards, and forms.
Reproduction of artworks and photographs.

Basic Tools and Materials Used in Printing

The following are some basic tools and materials used in printing:

Printing plates (e.g., metal, polymer)
Printing ink (various colours and types)
Paper stock (various sizes, weights, and finishes)
Ink rollers or blankets
Printing presses (e.g., letterpress machine, offset press)
Dampening solution (for lithography)
Registration marks
Measuring tools (rulers, callipers)

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they think printing is, or how books and newspapers are made. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Printing Processes.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Printing Processes

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines printing processes and explains the general concept of transferring images or text onto a surface. The teacher then lists the different types of printing processes, writing them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and various types of printing processes.

Step 3: Discussion of Letterpress and Relief Printing

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains letterpress and relief printing, describing how the raised surface holds ink. The teacher uses a sample relief plate (if available) or a diagram to demonstrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the explanation, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the principle of letterpress and relief printing.

Step 4: Discussion of Offset and Lithographic Printing

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains offset printing and lithographic printing, highlighting the principle of oil and water repulsion. The teacher uses photos of offset presses or diagrams to illustrate the process.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the visual aids, and engage in a brief discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concepts of offset and lithographic printing.

Step 5: Discussion of Panographic Process (Gravure Printing)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the panographic process (gravure printing), focusing on the etched or engraved image areas. The teacher describes how ink is held in these depressions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basics of gravure printing.

Step 6: Functions and Basic Tools/Materials

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the various functions of printing processes, relating them to everyday items. The teacher then displays and identifies basic printing tools and materials, explaining their uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils list the functions, observe the tools and materials, and identify them as the teacher points them out.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of printing and recognise common printing tools and materials.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define printing processes.
List three different types of printing processes.
Explain the basic principle of letterpress printing.
Mention two basic materials used in printing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of printing processes in communication and daily life. The teacher assigns homework: “Research other specialized printing processes like screen printing and digital printing.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given a task to extend their learning.

Lesson Keywords

Printing Processes – Methods used to transfer text or images onto a surface for reproduction.
Letterpress – A relief printing method where the image is raised.
Offset Printing – A lithographic technique where ink is transferred from a plate to a blanket, then to paper.
Lithography – Printing using a flat plate where image and non-image areas are differentiated by chemical properties.
Gravure Printing (Panographic) – An intaglio printing method where the image is etched into the cylinder surface.
Printing Plate – A surface containing the image to be printed.
Ink Roller – A tool used to apply ink to the printing plate.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support to struggling learners by offering simplified explanations and more visual aids. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research and present on more complex aspects of printing or specific historical developments.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that actual samples of printing materials are available for pupils to touch and observe. If actual presses are unavailable, clear diagrams or videos should be used to illustrate the mechanisms. Encourage active participation through questions and discussions.