Lesson Plan

• Describe the main components of the Von Neumann architecture (CPU, memory, I/O, system bus).
• Explain the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle and the stored‑program concept.
• Distinguish between the data path and the control path within the CPU.
• Analyze how the system bus enables communication among components.
• Apply knowledge by tracing a simple instruction through the CPU stages.

• Projector and screen
• Printed handout of the Von Neumann block diagram
• Worksheet for instruction‑tracing activity
• Laptop with CPU simulation software (e.g., Logisim)
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a quick question: “Where do the programs you use on your phone actually live?” Students discuss prior knowledge of computer components, then the teacher outlines the success criteria – students will be able to label a Von Neumann diagram and describe the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle.

1. Do‑now (5'): Think‑pair‑share on where programs are stored and why that matters.
2. Mini‑lecture with slides (10'): Introduce CPU, memory, I/O, and system bus; highlight data vs. control paths.
3. Group diagram activity (12'): Students label the printed Von Neumann block diagram and identify each component’s role.
4. Simulation demo (8'): Show the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle using the laptop software.
5. Guided practice (10'): Worksheet where learners trace a simple instruction through registers, ALU, and memory.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit‑ticket – write one sentence explaining the stored‑program concept.

Recap the key components and the fetch‑decode‑execute cycle, emphasizing how the stored‑program concept unifies code and data. Collect exit tickets and assign a brief homework: create a hand‑drawn block diagram of the Von Neumann model and annotate each part.