Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Know and understand the role of the CPU in processing instructions entered into the computer in order to produce an output
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three steps of the CPU instruction cycle (fetch, decode, execute).
  • Identify the main internal components of a CPU (ALU, control unit, registers, cache).
  • Explain how the CPU interacts with memory and I/O devices during processing.
  • Compare factors that affect CPU performance such as clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.
  • Apply the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle to a simple addition program.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Computer with CPU diagram/simulation software (e.g., PhET)
  • Printed handouts of CPU components and instruction cycle
  • Worksheet with a simple addition program
  • Markers and whiteboard
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin by asking students how quickly their smartphones run apps and what “processing” might mean. Connect this to their prior knowledge of input, processing, storage and output. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain the CPU’s role, its internal parts, and the instruction cycle.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Starter (5') – Quick whole‑class discussion on everyday devices that “process” data; record ideas on the board.
  2. Direct Instruction (10') – Present a slide showing the CPU, its main parts and the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle.
  3. Guided Practice (15') – Pairs complete a worksheet mapping each step of the cycle to a given simple addition program; teacher circulates to check understanding.
  4. Interactive Simulation (10') – Use an online CPU simulation to visualise data flow between CPU, RAM and I/O; students answer checkpoint questions.
  5. Consolidation (10') – Class debrief; students label CPU components on the handout and discuss performance factors (clock speed, cores, cache).
  6. Formative Check (5') – Exit ticket: list the three instruction‑cycle steps and one factor that influences CPU speed.
Conclusion:
Recap the CPU’s central role and the fetch‑decode‑execute sequence, highlighting how component choices affect overall performance. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a brief homework: research a modern CPU model and list its clock speed, core count, and cache size.