Lesson Plan

• Describe what virtual memory is and why it is needed.
• Explain how paging works, including page tables, page faults, and replacement algorithms.
• Calculate the number of pages or frames required for given memory sizes.
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of virtual memory.
• Apply the concepts to analyse a simple paging scenario.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slides/handout on virtual memory concepts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet with calculation problems
• Laptop computers with an OS that can display memory usage
• Diagram of the paging process (digital or printed)

Begin with a quick poll: Who has noticed a computer slow down when many programs are open? Review that RAM is limited and that the operating system manages memory. Explain that today’s success criteria are to define virtual memory, illustrate the paging process, and solve a simple page‑calculation problem.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Students answer two quick questions on page vs. frame on a slip of paper.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Definition of virtual memory, why it’s needed, and key terminology using slides.
3. Demonstration (8') – Show the OS memory manager, trigger a page fault, and explain the steps.
4. Guided practice (12') – Worksheet activity calculating pages/frames for given memory sizes.
5. Group discussion (10') – Analyse advantages, disadvantages, and the concept of thrashing.
6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: write a one‑sentence definition of virtual memory and one advantage.

Recap the paging steps and why virtual memory extends usable RAM. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one advantage and one disadvantage of virtual memory. For homework, assign a short reading on paging algorithms and two additional page‑calculation problems.