JSS 1 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. State the functions of the major parts of a computer. ii. Explain how the parts work together to produce output. iii. Trace a task from typing a name to printing it. iv. Compare primary and secondary storage by function.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Type a short paragraph on the computer, save it, then print it. Record what happened at each stage of the information processing cycle. ii. Write the steps involved from pressing a key to the letter appearing on screen. iii. Compare the speed of opening a file from RAM with opening one from the hard disk. Record which is faster and explain why. iv. Record the size of a folder and a single file to show how secondary storage holds large amounts.

Rationale: An input device sends data and instructions into the computer. Understanding input and Output Functions, processing and Storage Functions, how the Parts Work Together, the Information Processing Cycle helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 3, learners studied What is a Computer and Its Parts, including what is a Computer and a Computer System, categories of Computers, the Computer System. 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 Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software, 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 4); 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 3 (What is a Computer and Its Parts) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software.	Connecting prior knowledge to Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers Input and Output Functions: An input device sends data and instructions into the computer. A keyboard types letters and numbers. Covers Processing and Storage Functions: The processing function is done by the processor. It performs arithmetic and logical operations, and it follows instructions stored in memory.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Input and Output Functions" and related points.	Understanding: Input and Output Functions; Processing and Storage Functions.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers How the Parts Work Together: Consider a simple task. A learner types a name on the keyboard. Covers The Information Processing Cycle: Every task a computer performs follows the information processing cycle: input, processing, output and storage. Understanding this cycle helps you explain why a computer behaves in a particular way, and why a file that was never saved is lost when the machine is switched off.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "How the Parts Work Together" and related points.	Understanding: How the Parts Work Together; The Information Processing Cycle.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Computer Hardware: Hardware is every physical part of the computer that you can touch. Inside the system unit the motherboard is the main circuit board, and every other part connects to it, which is why it is called the backbone of the computer.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Computer Hardware" to the class.	Understanding: Computer Hardware.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Computer Software and the Operating System: Software is the set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. System software runs and manages the computer itself, and the operating system is its most important example.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Computer Software and the Operating System".	Understanding: Computer Software and the Operating System.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Type a short paragraph on the computer, save it, then print it. Record what happened at each stage of the information processing cycle. (ii) Write the steps involved from pressing a key to the letter appearing on screen. (iii) Compare the speed of opening a file from RAM with opening one from the hard disk. Record which is faster and explain why. 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. State the functions of the major parts of a computer. ii. Explain how the parts work together to produce output. iii. Trace a task from typing a name to printing it. iv. Compare primary and secondary storage by function.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: input and Output Functions, processing and Storage Functions, how the Parts Work Together, the Information Processing Cycle, computer Hardware. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 5: Input and Output Devices.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. (a) Define a Computer as an Input-Process-Output (I-P-O) device. (b) Mention two (2) examples each of: (i) Input Devices (ii) Output Devices (c) Outline three (3) practical ways to care for and maintain computer hardware safely. ii. A pupil types an assignment for two hours but forgets to save it, then the computer is switched off. Explain which stage of the information processing cycle was missed and what happens to the work.