Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Describe the ways in which the user interface hides the complexities of the hardware from the user
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how UI abstractions conceal hardware details.
  • Explain the OS role in providing standardized I/O and file‑system presentation.
  • Compare GUI and CLI regarding hardware visibility.
  • Analyse how device drivers and error messages simplify user interaction.
  • Evaluate the impact of abstraction on software portability and accessibility.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Computer with file‑explorer demo installed
  • Printed handout showing the layered diagram
  • Worksheets with comparison checklist
  • Sticky notes for exit tickets
  • Quick‑quiz cards
 Introduction:

Begin with the question, “How does your computer know what to print when you click ‘Print’?” Connect to students’ prior knowledge of operating systems and set the success criteria: students will be able to identify UI features that abstract hardware.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5') – quick quiz on basic OS functions.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – introduce abstraction layers and UI examples.
  3. Guided demo (12') – explore file explorer to show how file operations hide disk geometry.
  4. Group activity (15') – compare CLI vs. GUI screenshots, complete the checklist.
  5. Think‑Pair‑Share (8') – discuss how abstraction aids software portability.
  6. Whole‑class debrief (5') – summarise key points and address misconceptions.
Conclusion:

Recap the main ways the UI masks hardware complexity, then have students write one personal example of abstraction on a sticky note as an exit ticket. Assign a brief homework: research a mobile‑OS UI feature that hides hardware details and be ready to share.