Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Information Technology IT
Lesson Topic: Understand project life cycle stages (initiation, planning, execution)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and key outputs of the Initiation stage of a project life cycle.
  • Explain how to develop core planning artefacts such as a Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt chart and risk register.
  • Apply monitoring techniques (e.g., earned value, issue registers) to track project execution against schedule, budget and quality criteria.
  • Evaluate the relationship between the three stages and justify appropriate hand‑over points.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handout of the life‑cycle diagram
  • Project Charter template (paper)
  • WBS worksheet
  • Laptop with project‑management software (e.g., MS Project)
  • Calculators
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick “match‑the‑stage” activity to activate prior knowledge of project phases. Explain that today’s success will be measured by students’ ability to produce a coherent charter, a detailed WBS, and basic performance metrics. Highlight that these skills are essential for managing real‑world IT projects.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students match stage names to definitions on a worksheet.
  2. Mini‑lecture – Initiation (10'): Overview of initiation activities; show a sample Project Charter.
  3. Group activity – Charter creation (15'): Teams draft a brief charter for a simple scenario and peer‑review.
  4. Mini‑lecture – Planning (10'): Introduce WBS and Gantt basics; demonstrate in software.
  5. Hands‑on – Build WBS & risk register (15'): Teams construct a WBS for the scenario and identify top risks.
  6. Mini‑lecture – Execution (10'): Explain monitoring tools (EVM, issue register) with sample calculations.
  7. Simulation – Track progress (15'): Teams use a mock schedule to calculate CPI & SPI and discuss corrective actions.
  8. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – list one key deliverable for each life‑cycle stage.
Conclusion:

Summarise how Initiation, Planning and Execution interlink to drive project success. Collect the exit tickets and clarify any lingering questions. For homework, students will complete a full project brief (charter, WBS, risk register) for a mini‑project of their choice.