Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of virtual memory, paging and segmentation for memory management
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose of virtual memory and how it abstracts physical memory.
  • Explain the mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of paging and segmentation.
  • Compare paging and segmentation and evaluate the benefits of a hybrid approach.
  • Apply address‑translation formulas for paging and segmentation in example calculations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck summarising virtual memory, paging and segmentation
  • Handout with address‑translation exercises
  • Laptop with OS‑simulation or memory‑visualisation software
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed diagram of two‑level address translation (segment → page → frame)
 Introduction:
Imagine a program that needs more memory than the computer physically has – how does it still run? Students already know basic binary addressing and the OS’s role in resource management. Today they will be able to explain and illustrate both paging and segmentation and decide when each technique is appropriate.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – quick quiz on memory basics and address spaces.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – introduce virtual memory and the concept of an abstract address space.
  3. Demonstration (10') – walk through paging translation using V = p × S + d and a sample page table.
  4. Group activity (15') – segmentation exercise: calculate linear addresses using base + offset and discuss internal vs. external fragmentation.
  5. Comparison discussion (10') – contrast paging and segmentation, then present the hybrid (paged segmentation) model.
  6. Formative check (5') – exit ticket: one sentence describing when to prefer paging, segmentation, or a hybrid approach.
Conclusion:
We reviewed how virtual memory lets programs exceed physical limits, examined paging and segmentation, and saw how they can be combined for efficient memory management. Students hand in their exit tickets and receive a worksheet to practice hybrid paging/segmentation problems for homework.