Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Know and understand components of an expert system: user interface, inference engine, knowledge base, rules base, explanation system
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe each component of an expert system (UI, inference engine, knowledge base, rules base, explanation system).
  • Explain how the components interact to produce a solution.
  • Analyse a simple IF‑THEN rule and trace its execution through the inference engine.
  • Evaluate the importance of the explanation system for user trust.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides outlining component definitions
  • Handout with component summary table
  • Sample IF‑THEN rule worksheet
  • Laptop with expert‑system demo software
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: Who has used a chatbot or virtual assistant? Explain that these are everyday examples of expert systems, linking prior knowledge to today’s focus. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to identify and describe the five key components and how they work together.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list everyday tools that give advice (e.g., GPS, medical apps) – check for prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present definitions of UI, inference engine, knowledge base, rules base, explanation system with slide visuals.
  3. Interactive diagram activity (10'): In groups, label a blank flow diagram, then compare with the suggested diagram.
  4. Rule tracing exercise (10'): Using a printed IF‑THEN rule, students simulate the inference process and write the explanation the system would generate.
  5. Whole‑class debrief & quiz (5'): Quick Kahoot or exit ticket summarising component functions.
Conclusion:
Recap the five components and their collaborative workflow, highlighting the role of the explanation system in building trust. Ask students to write one real‑world example of an expert system on an exit ticket. For homework, they will research a domain‑specific expert system and prepare a short description of its components.