Lesson Plan

• Describe the structural differences between SRAM and DRAM cells.
• Compare performance characteristics such as access time, power consumption, density, and cost.
• Explain typical applications of SRAM and DRAM within computer architecture.
• Analyse trade‑offs when selecting memory type for a given system design.

• Projector and screen
• Printed handout with SRAM/DRAM comparison table
• Slide deck showing cell diagrams and refresh animation
• Worksheet for pair‑work activity
• Laptops (optional) for simulation software

Begin with a quick question: “What makes a computer’s memory feel fast or slow?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of volatile RAM. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to clearly differentiate SRAM from DRAM and justify their use in real systems.

1. Do‑now (5'): short quiz on volatile memory concepts.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): introduce SRAM and DRAM structures using slide diagrams.
3. Guided comparison (10'): students fill in a side‑by‑side table (features, speed, density, power, cost).
4. Demonstration (5'): video showing DRAM refresh cycles.
5. Application activity (10'): in pairs design a simple cache hierarchy choosing SRAM for cache levels and DRAM for main memory.
6. Check for understanding (5'): exit‑ticket with two rapid‑response questions.

Recap the key distinctions between SRAM and DRAM and why both are essential in modern computers. Collect exit‑tickets to gauge immediate understanding, and assign a brief homework: research one recent advancement in DRAM technology and summarise its impact on performance.