Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Explain the use of IP addresses in the transmission of data over the internet
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose of IP addresses for device identification and routing.
  • Explain how IP packets are created, routed, and delivered across networks.
  • Compare IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes and their key differences.
  • Apply subnet masks to determine the network and host portions of an IPv4 address.
  • Analyse how NAT translates private addresses to a public address in end‑to‑end communication.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck illustrating IP packet flow and NAT
  • Handout with IPv4/IPv6 comparison table
  • Worksheet for subnetting exercises
  • Network simulation software (e.g., Packet Tracer) or online demo
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: “What IP address does your phone use to connect to Wi‑Fi?” This taps into students’ everyday experience of the internet. Review the previous lesson on basic networking concepts (LAN, router). Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe how IP addresses enable data to travel across the globe.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Short quiz on students’ existing knowledge of IP addresses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define IP addresses, contrast IPv4 vs IPv6, and discuss identification vs location roles.
  3. Packet creation & routing demo (12’) – Use simulation software to show encapsulation, header fields, and router forwarding.
  4. Subnetting activity (10’) – Students calculate network and host portions for a given IPv4 address/mask.
  5. NAT walkthrough (8’) – Guided example with diagram illustrating private‑to‑public translation.
  6. Guided practice (10’) – Worksheet where learners trace a packet’s path through NAT and identify source/destination addresses.
  7. Check for understanding (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how a packet reaches its destination.
Conclusion:

Recap the five key ideas: identification, routing, IPv4/IPv6 differences, subnetting, and NAT. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, and remind students that tomorrow they will explore IPv6 security features. For homework, assign a brief research task on real‑world IPv6 adoption in their country.