JSS 2 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. Define a computer and state its main characteristics. ii. Name the early computing devices in order. iii. Describe the five generations of computers. iv. Classify computers by size, purpose and technology.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Review and Classification of Computers in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Draw a timeline showing the abacus, the Pascaline, the Analytical Engine, ENIAC and a modern laptop. ii. Make a table classifying five computers by size, purpose and technology. iii. Write two differences between an analogue device and a digital device. iv. State the main technology used in each of the five generations of computers.

Rationale: A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it according to a set of instructions called a program, and produces useful output called information. Understanding what is a Computer, early Computing Devices, the First Electronic Computers, generations of Computers helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: Learners have just entered JSS 2 and already use digital devices such as phones, radios, televisions and computers at home or in the community. They can switch a device on, make a call, send a message and identify common parts such as the screen, keyboard and mouse.

Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Review and Classification of Computers, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 2 First Term Notes (Week 1); 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, explains the classroom rules and asks what digital devices they already use at home and in the community. Elicits responses, links them to the new topic and writes Review and Classification of Computers on the board.	Share what they already know about Review and Classification of Computers and listen to the introduction.	Building on everyday experience and introducing Review and Classification of Computers.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Computer: A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it according to a set of instructions called a program, and produces useful output called information. The word computer comes from compute, which means to calculate. Covers Early Computing Devices: The abacus is one of the oldest counting devices. Beads slide on rods to stand for numbers, and it was used in China, Greece and Rome long before calculators existed.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is a Computer" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Computer; Early Computing Devices.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers The First Electronic Computers: The first electronic computers appeared in the 1940s. ENIAC, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was built in the United States and used about seventeen thousand vacuum tubes.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "The First Electronic Computers".	Understanding: The First Electronic Computers.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Generations of Computers: A generation is a major stage in the development of computers, marked by a change in the main technology.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Generations of Computers" to the class.	Understanding: Generations of Computers.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Classification of Computers: Classification means grouping things together because they share similar features. Computers are classified by size, by purpose and by technology.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Classification of Computers".	Understanding: Classification of Computers.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Draw a timeline showing the abacus, the Pascaline, the Analytical Engine, ENIAC and a modern laptop. (ii) Make a table classifying five computers by size, purpose and technology. (iii) Write two differences between an analogue device and a digital device. 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. Define a computer and state its main characteristics. ii. Name the early computing devices in order. iii. Describe the five generations of computers. iv. Classify computers by size, purpose and technology.	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, early Computing Devices, the First Electronic Computers, generations of Computers, classification of Computers. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 2: Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A government office in 1970 buys a computer the size of a room that can only do basic calculations. Explain, using the generations, why the older computer was so large and limited. ii. A science museum displays a replica of the CDC 6600 built in 1964. A visitor asks who invented the supercomputer. Using Seymour Cray and Phillip Emeagwali, how would you answer?