Lesson Plan

• Describe the function of CPU cores and why multiple cores improve multitasking.
• Explain the hierarchy of CPU cache (L1, L2, L3) and its role in reducing memory latency.
• Interpret clock‑speed measurements and relate them to instruction execution rate.
• Apply the performance formula to evaluate how cores, cache, and clock affect overall CPU performance.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout of CPU die diagram showing cores and cache levels
• Online CPU cache visualiser or simulation
• Worksheet with performance calculations
• Calculators (or calculator apps)

Begin with a short video of a smartphone handling several apps at once to hook interest. Ask students what they think makes this possible and link to prior knowledge of basic CPU function. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify how cores, cache, and clock speed combine to determine overall performance.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Quick quiz on existing CPU knowledge (cores vs. speed).
2. Mini‑lecture on CPU cores (10') – Diagram of multi‑core die, concept‑check questions.
3. Cache hierarchy demo (10') – Use an online visualiser to explore L1, L2, L3 sizes and sharing.
4. Clock speed explanation (8') – Relate GHz to cycles per second; short calculation example.
5. Performance formula activity (12') – Groups calculate execution time for a 1 billion‑instruction program on single‑core and quad‑core scenarios.
6. Comparison table analysis (8') – Students interpret a provided table to recommend CPUs for different use‑cases.
7. Exit ticket (5') – One‑sentence summary of how cores, cache, and clock interact.

Summarise the key relationships between core count, cache hierarchy, and clock speed, emphasizing the performance formula. Collect exit tickets and assign a homework task: research the specifications of the CPU in their personal device and write a brief paragraph predicting its strengths for gaming, office work, or multitasking.