Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the characteristics of a LAN (local area network) and a WAN (wide area network)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key characteristics of LANs and WANs (scope, media, speed, latency, cost).
  • Compare LAN and WAN using a characteristic matrix.
  • Explain how bandwidth and latency affect data transfer and application performance.
  • Evaluate which network type best fits given organisational scenarios.
  • Calculate approximate transfer times for files over LAN and WAN links.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed comparison handout (characteristic table)
  • Laptop with internet access
  • Calculator worksheets for transfer‑time calculations
  • Optional: network topology simulation software (e.g., Packet Tracer)
 Introduction:

Start with a quick poll: “Where does your home Wi‑Fi connect to?” to activate prior knowledge of local networks. Explain that today we’ll explore how local and wide‑area networks differ and why those differences matter for designing solutions. Success criteria: students will list characteristics, compare LAN vs WAN, and perform simple bandwidth calculations.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students list devices used at home and school; share to identify LAN elements.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present definitions and characteristic comparison with slides and handout.
  3. Guided analysis (12') – Pairs complete a Venn diagram contrasting LAN and WAN characteristics.
  4. Performance metrics demo (8') – Show bandwidth vs latency impact with quick calculations on board.
  5. Real‑world case study (10') – Groups choose a scenario (office, branch office, cloud) and decide which network type is appropriate, justifying their choice.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) with three key‑difference questions.
  7. Wrap‑up (5') – Review objectives and answer any lingering questions.
Conclusion:

Recap that LANs provide high speed, low latency within limited areas, while WANs connect distant sites with higher cost and latency. For the exit ticket, students write one key difference on a sticky note and hand it in. Homework: research a real company’s network architecture and identify its LAN and WAN components.