Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Perform a logical binary shift on a positive 8-bit binary integer and understand the effect
Learning Objective/s:
  • Perform logical left and right shifts on an 8‑bit unsigned integer.
  • Explain how each shift changes the binary pattern and its decimal value.
  • Distinguish logical shift from arithmetic shift and identify common errors.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Teacher‑prepared slide showing shift diagrams
  • Worksheet with binary‑shift exercises
  • Laptops/computers with a simple IDE or spreadsheet for binary conversion
  • Printed handout of the step‑by‑step procedure
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of bits moving in a register to spark curiosity about how computers multiply and divide numbers. Review students’ prior knowledge of binary representation and the concept of multiplying by two. Explain that today they will learn to apply logical shifts to 8‑bit numbers and will be able to predict the resulting decimal values.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students convert 39₁₀ to 8‑bit binary on mini‑whiteboards (check understanding).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain logical left and right shifts, show diagrams, highlight zero‑insertion and overflow (guided).
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through left‑shift and right‑shift tables together, converting each result to decimal (interactive).
  4. Independent activity (15'): Students complete a worksheet with three shift problems, applying the step‑by‑step procedure (monitor).
  5. Peer review (5'): Pairs exchange answers, justify each step, and correct mistakes (formative).
  6. Quick check (3'): Whole‑class poll using clickers to identify the common mistake about sign bits (formative).
Conclusion:
Summarise that logical shifts move bits, insert zeros, and effectively multiply or divide unsigned numbers by two, while preserving the sign only for unsigned values. Ask students to write one key takeaway on a sticky note as an exit ticket. For homework, assign two additional shift problems and a short reflection on the difference between logical and arithmetic shifts.