Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: 10 Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Know and understand the need to convert digital data to analogue data so it can be used to control devices
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the difference between digital and analogue signals.
  • Explain why conversion between digital and analogue is required for device control.
  • Identify the roles of DACs and ADCs in converting data.
  • Apply the basic conversion process to a simple example such as audio playback.
  • Evaluate how sampling rate and resolution affect conversion quality.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Computer with ICT simulation software (DAC/ADC demo)
  • Printed handout of the conversion diagram
  • Sample audio file and speaker
  • Microcontroller board (e.g., Arduino) with DAC shield (optional)
  • Worksheets for voltage calculations and reflection
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing a digital music file being played through a speaker, prompting students to consider how the computer’s binary data becomes sound. Review prior knowledge of binary numbers and basic signal concepts, then state that today they will explore why and how digital data must be turned into analogue signals to control real‑world devices. Success criteria: students will be able to describe the conversion process, compare DAC and ADC functions, and predict the effect of sampling rate on output quality.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students answer “What happens inside a computer when you play a song?” and share ideas.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain digital vs analogue, reasons for conversion, using slides and a block‑diagram.
  3. Demonstration (10'): Show a DAC simulation with audio playback and illustrate low‑pass filtering.
  4. Guided activity (15'): Pairs calculate output voltage for a given binary value using Vout = Vref × D/2ⁿ and complete a worksheet.
  5. Hands‑on experiment (15'): Use an Arduino + DAC shield to generate a PWM signal, filter it, and drive a motor or LED; record observations.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz on DAC/ADC roles and key parameters.
  7. Summary discussion (5'): Review main points and clarify misconceptions.
Conclusion:
Summarise that digital devices rely on conversion to interact with the analogue world, highlighting the roles of DACs and ADCs. Ask students to write one key takeaway on a sticky note as an exit ticket. For homework, assign a brief research task to find a real‑life example of analogue‑to‑digital conversion, such as temperature sensors in smartphones.