JSS 3 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. Describe LAN, MAN, WAN and PAN in detail. ii. Identify network devices and state the function of each. iii. Explain how data travels across a network in packets. iv. State the benefits of networking in a school.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Computer Networks in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Draw a simple school LAN showing computers, a switch and a router. ii. Make a table comparing LAN, MAN and WAN by area, speed and cost. iii. List the steps by which data travels from one computer to another. iv. List four benefits of networking a school computer laboratory.

Rationale: A computer network is a collection of two or more devices, such as computers, printers, servers and phones, connected together by cables or wireless signals so they can share resources and communicate. Understanding starter Scenario, types of Networks in Detail, network Devices, how Data Travels Across a Network helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 2, learners studied Internet and Web Technologies, including the Internet and ISPs, iP Addresses, uRLs and the World Wide Web. 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 Networks, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 3); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 3 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 (Internet and Web Technologies) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Computer Networks. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Computer Networks.	Connecting prior knowledge to Computer Networks.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers Starter Scenario: The principal also wants the school's Kuje campus and the Wuse campus in Abuja to share student records. These are two different networking challenges. Covers Types of Networks in Detail: A computer network is a collection of two or more devices, such as computers, printers, servers and phones, connected together by cables or wireless signals so they can share resources and communicate.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Starter Scenario" and related points.	Understanding: Starter Scenario; Types of Networks in Detail.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Network Devices: A Network Interface Card, or NIC, is a hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network. Every computer has a NIC, either built into the motherboard or inserted as an expansion card. Covers How Data Travels Across a Network: When data is sent across a network, it follows a series of steps. First, the sending device creates the data, such as a message, file or request.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Network Devices" and related points.	Understanding: Network Devices; How Data Travels Across a Network.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Benefits of Networking: Resource sharing allows one printer, scanner or internet connection to serve many users, reducing cost. Centralised data storage on a server makes files accessible to all authorised users from any device on the network. Covers Network Hardware Architectures and Network Terms: The way a network is organised is called its architecture. The two main architectures are client-server and peer-to-peer.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Benefits of Networking" and related points to the class.	Understanding: Benefits of Networking; Network Hardware Architectures and Network Terms.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Network Interconnection Devices in Detail: Devices that join different parts of a network together are called interconnection devices. A hub is the simplest. Covers Core Internet Protocols and Addressing: Networks send data using agreed sets of rules called protocols. The most important family is TCP/IP.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Network Interconnection Devices in Detail" and related points.	Understanding: Network Interconnection Devices in Detail; Core Internet Protocols and Addressing.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Draw a simple school LAN showing computers, a switch and a router. (ii) Make a table comparing LAN, MAN and WAN by area, speed and cost. (iii) List the steps by which data travels from one computer to another. 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. Describe LAN, MAN, WAN and PAN in detail. ii. Identify network devices and state the function of each. iii. Explain how data travels across a network in packets. iv. State the benefits of networking in a school.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: starter Scenario, types of Networks in Detail, network Devices, how Data Travels Across a Network, benefits of Networking. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 4: Network Devices and Protocols.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. What type of network should the school set up, and what two devices does it need to connect the computers to each other and to the internet? ii. A small printing press has offices in Ikeja and in Victoria Island, both in Lagos. The two offices need to share files daily. What type of network connects them, and how does it differ from a LAN?