Lesson Plan

• Describe the difference between system software and application software.
• Identify common examples of system software and explain their core functions.
• Identify common examples of application software and explain their purposes.
• Compare how system and application software interact with computer hardware.
• Classify a given list of software items as system or application software.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout with software classification table
• Screenshot slides of operating systems, drivers, and common applications
• Kahoot (or similar) quiz access
• Sticky notes for Do‑Now activity

Begin by asking students to name the software they used yesterday and why it mattered to them. Connect these examples to prior knowledge of computers needing both underlying platforms and user‑focused programs. Explain that today’s success criteria are to distinguish system from application software and to give accurate examples of each.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Students write on sticky notes the software they used yesterday; share a few responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define system software, discuss its role, and show OS and driver examples.
3. Guided exploration (10') – Examine screenshots of an operating system, a device driver, and a utility; highlight key functions.
4. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define application software, present common examples (word processor, browser, game).
5. Classification activity (10') – In pairs, use the handout to sort a mixed list of software into system or application categories.
6. Whole‑class debrief (5') – Review classifications, fill a comparison table on the board.
7. Quick check (5') – Kahoot quiz focusing on definitions, purposes, and examples.

Summarise that system software manages hardware while application software enables users to accomplish tasks. For the exit ticket, ask each student to write one example of system software and one of application software with a brief justification. Assign homework to research a new application program and describe how it relies on system software to function.