Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose and main categories of system software.
• Compare the functions and characteristics of compilers and interpreters.
• Explain how an operating system manages hardware resources and provides a user interface.
• Identify common utility programs and their maintenance roles.
• Evaluate which type of system software is most appropriate for given programming scenarios.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts summarising system software types
• Laptops with an IDE (e.g., VS Code) and a Python interpreter installed
• Sample source code files for a C program and a Python script
• Worksheet for the compiler‑interpreter comparison activity

Begin by asking students how a written program actually runs on a computer, linking to their prior work on application software. Highlight that behind every app there is system software that prepares and manages execution. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to list the main types, compare compilers and interpreters, and explain the OS’s role.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on software categories to activate prior knowledge.
2. Direct instruction (10'): Slide presentation covering compilers, interpreters, operating systems, and utilities.
3. Guided practice (15'): Small‑group activity filling a comparison table for compilers vs. interpreters.
4. Demonstration (10'): Live demo compiling a simple C program and then running the same logic in Python.
5. Consolidation (10'): Think‑pair‑share discussing examples of utility programs and OS functions; teacher checks understanding.

Recap the four categories of system software and the key differences between compilers and interpreters. Ask each student to write one advantage of a compiler and one of an interpreter as an exit ticket. For homework, students will research a utility program of their choice and prepare a brief description of its purpose and how it supports system health.