Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 12 (A‑Level) Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the bus, star, mesh and hybrid topologies
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the physical structure and transmission characteristics of bus, star, mesh and hybrid topologies.
  • Compare the advantages, disadvantages and scalability of each topology.
  • Analyse a network scenario and select the most appropriate topology.
  • Apply the mesh link formula to calculate required cabling for a given number of nodes.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with topology diagrams and comparison table
  • Laptops with network simulation software (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer)
  • Sticky notes for exit tickets
 Introduction:
Imagine you are designing the network for a new school campus and must choose the most suitable layout. Students will recall basic LAN concepts they have already studied. By the end of the lesson they will be able to explain and compare the four topologies and justify a choice for a given scenario.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz on basic network terminology.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of bus, star, mesh and hybrid topologies with projected diagrams.
  3. Guided activity (15'): Small groups analyse a case study and match requirements to a topology using the worksheet.
  4. Simulation demo (10'): Show each topology in Packet Tracer, highlighting traffic flow and failure points.
  5. Comparison table creation (10'): Groups complete a side‑by‑side comparison table of advantages, disadvantages and scalability.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence stating which topology best fits a new office network and why.
Conclusion:
We recap the key features of each topology and emphasise how cost, performance and reliability influence the choice. Students submit their exit tickets, and as homework they will write a brief report recommending a topology for a home network, including justification and any calculations needed.