JSS 2 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. State the three parts of a computer system. ii. Classify hardware into input, processing, output and storage. iii. Distinguish between system software and application software. iv. Explain how hardware, software and peopleware work together.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. List three examples each of input, processing, output and storage hardware on the school computers. ii. Open the computer and point to the CPU, RAM and motherboard with your teacher. iii. Write five application programs on the computer and state the task each one does. iv. Make a table with the headings Hardware, Software, Peopleware and place ten items correctly.

Rationale: A computer is more than a box of wires and chips. Understanding what is a Computer System, hardware: The Physical Parts, software: The Instructions, peopleware: The Human Element helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 1, learners studied Review and Classification of Computers, including what is a Computer, early Computing Devices, the First Electronic Computers. 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 Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware, 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 2); 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 1 (Review and Classification of Computers) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware.	Connecting prior knowledge to Computer System: Hardware, Software and Peopleware.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Computer System: A computer is more than a box of wires and chips. Covers Hardware: The Physical Parts: Hardware is every physical part of the computer that you can see and touch. It is grouped by the job it does.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is a Computer System" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Computer System; Hardware: The Physical Parts.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Software: The Instructions: Software is the collection of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. It is intangible, which means you cannot touch it, but it is essential. Software falls into two broad families.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Software: The Instructions".	Understanding: Software: The Instructions.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Peopleware: The Human Element: Peopleware refers to the people who use, operate, maintain and design computer systems. A computer is a tool, and tools are useful only when a person uses them properly.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Peopleware: The Human Element" to the class.	Understanding: Peopleware: The Human Element.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers How the Three Parts Work Together: When you press a key on the keyboard, which is hardware, the operating system, which is system software, receives the signal and sends it to the word processor, which is application software, and the letter appears on the screen, which is more hardware.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "How the Three Parts Work Together".	Understanding: How the Three Parts Work Together.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) List three examples each of input, processing, output and storage hardware on the school computers. (ii) Open the computer and point to the CPU, RAM and motherboard with your teacher. (iii) Write five application programs on the computer and state the task each one does. 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 three parts of a computer system. ii. Classify hardware into input, processing, output and storage. iii. Distinguish between system software and application software. iv. Explain how hardware, software and peopleware work together.	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 System, hardware: The Physical Parts, software: The Instructions, peopleware: The Human Element, how the Three Parts Work Together. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 3: Operating Systems and File Management.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A technician is asked to sort a new school computer room into its hardware parts and to explain the two broad types of software. Classify the hardware into its four groups, and compare system software with application software. ii. A school buys ten new computers but installs no software. Can the computers be used for teaching? Explain why or why not.