Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Computer Science → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the need for: an interpreter for translation and execution of a high-level language program
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe why translation from high‑level code to machine code is required.
  • Explain the differences between compilation and interpretation.
  • Identify situations where an interpreter is preferred (rapid development, portability, dynamic features, education).
  • Illustrate the interpreter execution cycle (fetch, parse, translate, execute).
  • Compare performance and debugging implications of interpreters versus compilers.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Laptop with Python interpreter installed
  • Sample Python scripts
  • Worksheet with interpreter cycle diagram
  • Printed comparison table (compiler vs interpreter)
  • Sticky notes and exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: run a short Python script and observe the immediate output. Ask students what allows the code to execute without a separate compilation step, linking to prior knowledge of machine code. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to articulate why interpreters are needed and when to choose them.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students answer: “What must happen before a computer can run a program?” and share responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain high‑level vs machine code and introduce compilation vs interpretation.
  3. Interactive discussion (8') – Explore scenarios where interpreters are advantageous; students list examples on sticky notes.
  4. Demonstration (12') – Walk through the interpreter cycle using a Python script, showing fetch, parse, translate, execute in the IDE.
  5. Guided activity (15') – Pairs complete a worksheet mapping each cycle step to the diagram and compare speed/debugging aspects.
  6. Quick quiz (5') – Kahoot or exit‑ticket with three MCQs on interpreter benefits vs compilers.
  7. Recap (5') – Teacher summarises key take‑aways and addresses misconceptions.
Conclusion:
Summarise that interpreters translate and execute code line‑by‑line, offering rapid feedback and portability at the cost of speed. Have students write one sentence on a slip describing a scenario where an interpreter is the best choice as an exit ticket. Assign homework to research a language that uses an interpreter and prepare a short note on its typical use cases.