Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of circuit switching
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the process of establishing, using, and releasing a circuit‑switched connection.
  • Compare the advantages and disadvantages of circuit switching with packet switching.
  • Calculate bandwidth allocation and utilisation for a given number of circuits.
  • Explain why circuit switching provides predictable latency and identify appropriate use cases.
  • Evaluate the efficiency trade‑offs of dedicated versus shared network resources.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handout with schematic diagram
  • Worksheet with calculation problems
  • Network simulation software (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer)
  • Calculators
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a traditional telephone exchange to capture interest. Ask students what they notice about the call setup compared with modern internet calls, linking to prior knowledge of basic networking concepts. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to demonstrate how circuit switching works and how it differs from packet switching.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students answer a quick quiz on basic networking terms.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Explain connection establishment, data transfer, and release using slides and the schematic diagram.
  3. Guided calculation activity (10’) – Compute bandwidth per circuit and utilisation for a 1 Gbps link using the worksheet.
  4. Comparison discussion (8’) – Pairs create a Venn diagram contrasting circuit and packet switching.
  5. Simulation demo (12’) – Live demo of a circuit‑switched call and a packet‑switched transfer, highlighting latency and resource use.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick exit poll on which scenario best suits voice communication.
  7. Wrap‑up (5’) – Summarise key points and answer remaining questions.
Conclusion:
Review the three phases of circuit switching and the key advantages and drawbacks discussed. Ask students to write one sentence on an exit ticket describing when circuit switching is preferable. Assign homework to research a real‑world system that still relies on circuit switching and prepare a brief summary.