Lesson Plan

• Describe the role and characteristics of internal (primary) memory.
• Explain the purpose and features of backing (secondary) storage.
• Compare internal memory and backing storage on volatility, speed, capacity, and cost.
• Illustrate how data moves between backing storage and internal memory during program execution and file saving.
• Identify common misconceptions about RAM and storage devices.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout with comparison table and Venn diagram
• Sample storage devices (USB flash drive, SSD)
• Laptop for live demonstration
• Worksheet with true/false quiz
• Exit‑ticket slips

Begin with a quick poll: “Where do you think a photo you just took is stored?” Use responses to link prior knowledge of RAM and hard drives. Explain that today’s success criteria are to distinguish internal memory from backing storage and to describe how they work together.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Students list where files are saved on their device; share answers.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present definitions, key differences, and a flow diagram using the projector.
3. Guided comparison activity (12') – Pairs complete a Venn diagram handout comparing internal memory and backing storage.
4. Live demonstration (8') – Show a program loading from SSD to RAM and saving a file back to storage.
5. Misconception check (5') – Quick true/false quiz on common myths.
6. Consolidation discussion (5') – Class summarises how the two memory types cooperate.
7. Exit ticket (5') – Each student writes one key difference and one real‑world example of storage use.

Recap the main distinctions between internal memory and backing storage and how data moves between them. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a brief homework: research a newer storage technology (e.g., NVMe SSD or cloud storage) and write a short paragraph on its advantages.