Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Understand that data is broken down into packets to be transmitted
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe why data is divided into packets for network transmission.
  • Identify the three main components of a data packet and their purposes.
  • Compare serial, parallel, synchronous, and asynchronous transmission methods.
  • Explain the differences between packet switching and circuit switching.
  • Apply packet‑structure knowledge to analyse a simple network diagram.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides showing packet diagram and transmission methods
  • Handout with packet‑structure table
  • Worksheet with a sample network diagram
  • Laptop with internet access for live demo
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: “How do you think a large video file travels across the internet?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of file downloads and highlight that the internet cannot send the whole file in one piece. Explain that today’s success criteria are to understand packetisation, identify packet parts, and distinguish transmission methods.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 min): Students list everyday examples of data transfer; teacher records common themes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Present why data is broken into packets, show packet structure (header, payload, trailer) with slides.
  3. Guided activity (12 min): Students label a packet diagram on the handout; peer‑check and teacher clarification.
  4. Transmission methods demo (10 min): Short animation contrasting serial vs parallel and synchronous vs asynchronous; discuss advantages.
  5. Switching models discussion (8 min): Compare packet switching and circuit switching using real‑world analogies.
  6. Consolidation quiz (5 min): Quick Kahoot/exit‑ticket with three questions covering key concepts.
Conclusion:

Recap the main ideas: packets enable efficient, reliable transmission, each part has a specific role, and different transmission methods suit different network needs. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one advantage of packet switching. Assign a short homework: create a labelled sketch of a data packet and write two sentences on how error checking is performed.