| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 03/03/2026 |
| Subject: Computer Science |
| Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the purpose of a development life cycle |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the purpose and benefits of a software development life cycle.
- Identify and explain each stage of the PDLC.
- Compare linear (waterfall) and iterative (agile) development models.
- Apply the PDLC stages to a simple inventory‑management example.
- Evaluate effort estimation using the basic COCOMO formula.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Slide deck summarising PDLC stages
- Handout with PDLC flowchart
- Sample Python/Flask code for the inventory system
- Worksheets for group activity
- Sticky notes for brainstorming
- Internet access for research
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: how many students have worked on a group coding project and what challenges they faced. Discuss common issues such as missed requirements or late bugs. Explain that a structured development life cycle helps avoid these problems, and state the success criteria – students will be able to name each PDLC stage and select an appropriate model for a scenario.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5'): Students write past project problems on sticky notes; teacher groups common themes. (Engage)
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Present PDLC overview, stages and benefits using slides. (Explain)
- Interactive comparison (8'): Show linear vs iterative table; class discusses flexibility and risk. (Analyze)
- Group activity (15'): Teams map the inventory‑management example to PDLC stages on a worksheet and create a brief timeline. (Apply)
- Coding demo (10'): Teacher demonstrates a simple Python/Flask function, linking it to the implementation stage. (Demonstrate)
- Formative check (7'): Quick Kahoot quiz on stage definitions and model selection. (Assess)
- Reflection & exit ticket (5'): Students write one way they will use a PDLC in future projects on a slip. (Conclude)
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Conclusion:
Summarise how each PDLC stage builds toward reliable software and why model choice matters. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding. For homework, ask students to draft a PDLC plan for a personal app idea, noting any risk‑mitigation strategies.
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