JSS 2 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. Name the hardware components of a network. ii. Describe the common network topologies. iii. Explain the parts of internet infrastructure. iv. State rules for safe use of the internet.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Network Components and Topologies in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Draw and label star, bus, ring and mesh topologies. ii. Locate the switch, router and cables in the school computer lab and state the job of each. iii. Write three safe surfing rules on a chart for the computer lab. iv. List three digital communication tools and state what each one is used for.

Rationale: A network interface card, or NIC, is a part inside or attached to a computer that lets it join a network. Understanding network Hardware Components, network Topologies, internet Infrastructure, online Safety and Safe Surfing helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 4, learners studied Computer Networks, including what is a Computer Network, types of Networks, advantages of Networks. 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 Network Components and Topologies, 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 5); 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 4 (Computer Networks) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Network Components and Topologies. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Network Components and Topologies.	Connecting prior knowledge to Network Components and Topologies.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers Network Hardware Components: A network interface card, or NIC, is a part inside or attached to a computer that lets it join a network. It changes data from the computer into a form that can travel along cables, and changes incoming data back again. Covers Network Topologies: A topology is the layout of the computers and cables in a network. The choice of topology affects speed, reliability and cost.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Network Hardware Components" and related points.	Understanding: Network Hardware Components; Network Topologies.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Internet Infrastructure: The internet is a global network of networks. It relies on several parts working together.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Internet Infrastructure".	Understanding: Internet Infrastructure.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Online Safety and Safe Surfing: Using the internet safely is an important skill. Strong passwords are the first line of defence against unauthorised access, and they should be long and private.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Online Safety and Safe Surfing" to the class.	Understanding: Online Safety and Safe Surfing.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Digital Communication Tools: The internet provides many ways to communicate. Email sends messages and files across the world. Messaging apps send short messages, photos and documents.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Digital Communication Tools".	Understanding: Digital Communication Tools.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Draw and label star, bus, ring and mesh topologies. (ii) Locate the switch, router and cables in the school computer lab and state the job of each. (iii) Write three safe surfing rules on a chart for the computer lab. 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 hardware components of a network. ii. Describe the common network topologies. iii. Explain the parts of internet infrastructure. iv. State rules for safe use of the internet.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: network Hardware Components, network Topologies, internet Infrastructure, online Safety and Safe Surfing, digital Communication Tools. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 6: Internet, Web and Online Services.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A school lab has ten computers connected to one switch. What topology is this, and why is a switch better than a hub here? ii. A bank needs a network that keeps working even if one connection fails. Which topology is most suitable and why?