Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose and components of an IP address.
• Differentiate IPv4 and IPv6 formats and address lengths.
• Classify IP addresses by version, scope, and assignment method.
• Explain how static and dynamic addressing affect network configuration.
• Apply subnet masks to identify network and host portions of an IPv4 address.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slides with IP address tables
• Worksheets for IPv4/IPv6 conversion exercises
• Computers with network simulation software (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer)
• Handout of subnet mask cheat sheet
• Whiteboard markers

Begin with a quick poll: Who has configured a home router before? Review that an IP address uniquely identifies a device and enables routing. Today’s success criteria: students will be able to explain the main types of IP addresses and demonstrate basic IPv4 subnetting.

1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students answer the Quick Revision Checklist on a sticky note.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of IP address purpose, IPv4 vs IPv6, and classification categories.
3. Guided practice (12’) – Work through examples of identifying network vs host bits using a subnet mask on the worksheet.
4. Hands‑on activity (15’) – Use simulation software to assign static and dynamic IPs to devices and observe routing.
5. Group discussion (8’) – Compare public vs private address usage and discuss security implications.
6. Formative check (5’) – Exit ticket: write one key difference between static and dynamic IP addressing.

Summarise that IP addresses are essential for device identification and routing, with distinct versions and scopes. For the exit ticket, students write one takeaway about IPv6 benefits. Assign homework to convert a list of IPv4 addresses to binary and identify their class.