Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Know and understand digital certificate including its purpose and contents
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the four main purposes of a digital certificate (authentication, encryption, integrity, non‑repudiation).
  • Identify and label the key fields of an X.509 digital certificate.
  • Explain the step‑by‑step process of certificate issuance and client verification.
  • Apply knowledge by interpreting a sample certificate diagram and matching fields to their functions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Printed handouts of a sample X.509 certificate
  • Worksheet with matching and short‑answer questions
  • Laptop with internet access for live browser certificate demo
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for exit tickets
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What does the padlock icon in your browser tell you?” Connect this to prior learning about passwords and secure sites. Explain that today’s success criteria are to list the purposes of a digital certificate, name its main components, and trace how it is created and verified.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Padlock quiz on Kahoot to gauge prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Purpose of digital certificates and overview of X.509 fields using a slide deck.
  3. Guided analysis (12'): Students examine the printed certificate handout, label each field, and discuss its role.
  4. Live demonstration (8'): Teacher shows how a CSR is submitted to a CA and how the signed certificate appears in a browser.
  5. Group activity (10'): Teams create a flow‑chart of the issuance and verification process on chart paper.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Q&A and sticky‑note exit ticket – “One thing you will remember about digital certificates.”
Conclusion:
Recap the four purposes and the key certificate fields, linking them back to the flow‑chart created earlier. Collect exit tickets and address any lingering questions. For homework, ask students to open any HTTPS website, view its certificate, and note three fields they recognize.