Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is to explain the concept of a protocol stack and the basic functions of TCP/IP by using a postal example.

Lesson Objectives
At the conclusion of the lesson, students will be able to:

• When presented with a scenario, identify which activities are accomplished by IP, TCP, and upper-level protocols
• Use the correct vocabulary when discussing data communications related to the protocol stack and TCP/IP
• Describe the difference in how the physical address and the IP address are used in moving traffic from one node to another on the Internet
• Use the Web as a tool to research networking topics

Target Population
This lesson is aimed at middle school or high school students who do not have a background in network protocols.

Duration
45 minutes with lab and exercises

Supplies and Equipment

• Machine to display PowerPoint presentation(.ppt/2.1mb). Note: the presentation includes extensive notes that explain the slides and provide further details.
• PC with Internet access for use in tracing Internet traffic, performing a ping, and running ipconfig

Dr.Greg Butler teaches in the the Computer Science and Information Systems department of the School of Business Administration at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. His interests are: methods and approaches to ensuring compliance and security awareness and engagement among users, facilitation of system acceptance, and learning and maximizing the transfer of teamwork skills from coursework to the work environment.