JSS 1 First Term

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON PUPILS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Cognitive	i. Name the parts of a computer and their functions. ii. Identify the system unit, monitor and accessories. iii. Locate the power supply, motherboard, processor, RAM and hard disk inside a system unit. iv. State the function of each part.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of What is a Computer and Its Parts in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Open a system unit cover with your teacher and locate the power supply, motherboard, processor, RAM and hard disk. ii. Draw and label the system unit with at least ten parts. iii. Touch and name each device on the workbench, then write its function in your notebook. iv. Find the power button, reset button, power light and headphone port on the front of the tower.

Rationale: A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it following instructions called a program, and produces useful output. Understanding what is a Computer and a Computer System, categories of Computers, the Computer System, parts Inside the System Unit helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 2, learners studied History, Evolution and Generations of Computers, including what Evolution Means, early Counting and Calculating Devices, the Mechanical Era. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.

Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on What is a Computer and Its Parts, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 1); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 1 First Term Notes (Week 3); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Stage/Step (Time)	Teacher's Activities	Student's Activities	Learning Points
Introduction 5 MINUTES	Welcomes learners, revises Week 2 (History, Evolution and Generations of Computers) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about What is a Computer and Its Parts. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about What is a Computer and Its Parts.	Connecting prior knowledge to What is a Computer and Its Parts.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Computer and a Computer System: A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it following instructions called a program, and produces useful output. Its main characteristics are speed, accuracy, storage ability, automation and versatility. Covers Categories of Computers: Computers can be grouped by size and power. A supercomputer is the largest and fastest, used for weather forecasting and scientific research.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is a Computer and a Computer System" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Computer and a Computer System; Categories of Computers.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers The Computer System: A computer system is made of three main units. The system unit does the processing. The monitor shows the result.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "The Computer System".	Understanding: The Computer System.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Parts Inside the System Unit: The power supply unit converts mains electricity to the lower voltage the computer needs. The motherboard is the flat board that holds the parts and connects them. The processor, also called the CPU, does the calculating and controls the work.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Parts Inside the System Unit" to the class.	Understanding: Parts Inside the System Unit.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Front of the System Unit: The front panel carries the power button, the reset button, the power indicator light, headphone and microphone ports, and the optical drive. The back panel carries the power socket, the network cable port, and ports for the monitor, USB devices and speakers.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Front of the System Unit".	Understanding: Front of the System Unit.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Open a system unit cover with your teacher and locate the power supply, motherboard, processor, RAM and hard disk. (ii) Draw and label the system unit with at least ten parts. (iii) Touch and name each device on the workbench, then write its function in your notebook. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use.	Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks.	Applying the lesson through hands-on practice.
Evaluation 3 MINUTES	Asks learners to: i. Name the parts of a computer and their functions. ii. Identify the system unit, monitor and accessories. iii. Locate the power supply, motherboard, processor, RAM and hard disk inside a system unit. iv. State the function of each part.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: what is a Computer and a Computer System, categories of Computers, the Computer System, parts Inside the System Unit, front of the System Unit. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 4: Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A computer shows nothing on the screen when the power button is pressed. List three parts you would check first and explain why. ii. Explain what would happen to a file saved in RAM when the computer is switched off.