Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Computer Science → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the need for input, output, primary memory and secondary (including removable) storage
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the role of input and output devices in a computer system.
  • Explain how primary memory (RAM) supports program execution.
  • Compare characteristics of secondary storage types, including removable media.
  • Analyse the data flow between input, memory, CPU, storage, and output.
  • Evaluate how component speeds affect overall system performance.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts with data‑flow diagrams
  • Sample storage devices (USB flash drive, CD/DVD)
  • Laptop with IDE for live demonstration
  • Worksheets for group comparison activity
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick discussion of everyday gadgets—smartphones, printers, and USB drives—to hook students and highlight how they rely on input, output, and storage. Ask learners to recall what they already know about RAM versus hard drives, linking prior knowledge to today’s focus. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe each component’s purpose and evaluate its impact on system performance.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Short quiz on input/output examples to activate prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of input devices, output devices, primary memory, and secondary storage with key characteristics.
  3. Live demonstration (15'): Show data flow from a USB flash drive (input) into RAM, processing by CPU, and output to a monitor; highlight speed differences.
  4. Group activity (15'): Students compare storage types (HDD, SSD, optical, USB, tape) using a worksheet and create a quick pros/cons chart.
  5. Guided questioning (10'): Discuss the throughput formula and how component speeds limit overall performance.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Each student writes one way the balance of components affects real‑world computing tasks.
Conclusion:

Recap the main points: input and output connect the computer to the world, RAM provides fast temporary storage, and secondary storage offers large, permanent, often removable, capacity. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a brief homework task to research a emerging storage technology and its potential impact on system design.