| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT |
| Lesson Topic: Know and understand computer modelling including personal finance, bridge and building design, flood water management, traffic management, weather forecasting |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the purpose of computer modelling in personal finance, structural design, flood management, traffic control and weather prediction.
- Explain the key variables and typical outputs for each modelling application.
- Apply spreadsheet or simulation software to build simple models for at least two of the contexts.
- Analyse model results to draw conclusions and recognise limitations.
- Communicate findings using tables, graphs and concise written reports.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Computers with spreadsheet software (Excel/Google Sheets)
- Demo licences for CAD/FEA, hydraulic and traffic simulation tools
- Internet access for online weather‑model visualisation
- Worksheets & handouts outlining variables and model steps
- Calculator and ruler for quick calculations
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing how engineers use computer models to solve real‑world problems, then ask students to recall any previous experience with spreadsheets or simulations. Connect this to today’s focus on five diverse applications. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to set up a basic model, interpret its output and communicate the results.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on identifying variables and outputs for everyday scenarios.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of computer modelling concepts and the five application areas.
- Guided practice (15'): Build a simple compound‑interest spreadsheet; students input principal, rate, periods and view projected balance.
- Rotating stations (20'): Small groups rotate through brief demos of (a) bridge design (CAD), (b) flood management (hydraulic tool), (c) traffic simulation (VISSIM), (d) weather forecasting (online model). Each station includes a 5‑minute hands‑on task.
- Consolidation activity (10'): In pairs, choose one application, define the problem, list key variables, and sketch a model plan on the worksheet.
- Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – write two variables and one output for the chosen application and one insight gained.
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Conclusion:
Recap the main steps of creating and analysing a computer model and highlight how the same process applies across different domains. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a homework task: each student creates a personal‑finance model in a spreadsheet and prepares a one‑page summary of results. Remind them to reflect on any assumptions made and possible sources of error.
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