Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of how protocol implementation can be viewed as a stack, where each layer has its own functionality
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose of a protocol stack and the role of each layer.
  • Explain the encapsulation and decapsulation process across OSI/TCP‑IP layers.
  • Compare modular versus monolithic stack implementations and their trade‑offs.
  • Apply the stack view to design a simple protocol interaction such as an HTTP request.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides with OSI/TCP‑IP diagrams
  • Handout summarising layer functions and an encapsulation example
  • Laptop with network‑analysis software (e.g., Wireshark)
  • Whiteboard markers and sticky notes
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of data traveling across the internet, then ask students how the same message can be understood by different devices. Connect this to their prior knowledge of IP addresses and basic networking. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to trace a packet through each protocol layer and justify design choices.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write any network layers they already know on sticky notes and place them on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15'): Present the OSI and TCP/IP stacks, highlighting key functions and showing a vertical diagram.
  3. Guided walkthrough (20'): Step‑by‑step encapsulation of an HTTP request, pausing after each layer for quick checks.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In pairs, capture a web request with Wireshark and identify the headers for each layer.
  5. Design discussion (10'): Groups compare monolithic vs modular stack implementations, listing pros and cons.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz with five questions on layer responsibilities.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each layer adds or removes its own header, reinforcing why separation aids modular design. Have students write a one‑sentence exit ticket describing the layer they found most critical. For homework, assign a sketch of the encapsulation steps for a DNS query using the TCP/IP model.