JSS 3 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. Define an algorithm and state its characteristics. ii. Describe the standard flowchart symbols. iii. Draw flowcharts for sequence and for a decision. iv. Turn an everyday task into ordered steps and a diagram.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Algorithms and Flowcharts in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Write the steps for making a fruit drink as an ordered algorithm. ii. Draw a flowchart with a decision for whether to carry an umbrella. iii. Match each flowchart symbol with its meaning. iv. Write the algorithm for buying airtime in four clear steps.

Rationale: An algorithm is a step by step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. Understanding starter Scenario, what is an Algorithm, characteristics of a Good Algorithm, what is a Flowchart helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 7, learners studied Logic Gates, including what is a Logic Gate, the AND Gate, the OR Gate. 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 Algorithms and Flowcharts, 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 8); 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 7 (Logic Gates) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Algorithms and Flowcharts. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Algorithms and Flowcharts.	Connecting prior knowledge to Algorithms and Flowcharts.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers Starter Scenario: A pupil wants to make a cup of hot tea. Covers What is an Algorithm: An algorithm is a step by step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. Covers Characteristics of a Good Algorithm: A good algorithm should be clear, so every step is easy to understand.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Starter Scenario" and related points.	Understanding: Starter Scenario; What is an Algorithm; Characteristics of a Good Algorithm.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Flowchart: A flowchart is a diagram that shows the steps of an algorithm using standard symbols joined by arrows. Covers Drawing Simple Flowcharts: A sequence flowchart shows steps that always happen one after another with no choices. Covers Algorithmic Thinking: Algorithmic thinking is the habit of breaking a problem into small, clear steps and putting those steps in the right order.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "What is a Flowchart" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Flowchart; Drawing Simple Flowcharts; Algorithmic Thinking.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Flowchart Symbols and Their Meanings: A flowchart is drawn with standard shapes, and every shape has one fixed meaning, so any reader understands the picture. The main symbols are the oval, the rectangle, the diamond, the arrow and the parallelogram. Covers Reading a Flowchart: To read a flowchart, begin at the first oval and follow the arrows from shape to shape. At a rectangle, carry out the action it describes.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Flowchart Symbols and Their Meanings" and related points to the class.	Understanding: Flowchart Symbols and Their Meanings; Reading a Flowchart.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Constructing Flowcharts for Everyday Tasks: Constructing a flowchart follows a simple method. First write the steps of the task in order as plain sentences. Covers Flowcharts for Simple Computations: Flowcharts are also used for simple computations, tasks where the computer takes a number, works on it and shows an answer. A common example is finding the area of a rectangle.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Constructing Flowcharts for Everyday Tasks" and related points.	Understanding: Constructing Flowcharts for Everyday Tasks; Flowcharts for Simple Computations.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Write the steps for making a fruit drink as an ordered algorithm. (ii) Draw a flowchart with a decision for whether to carry an umbrella. (iii) Match each flowchart symbol with its meaning. 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 an algorithm and state its characteristics. ii. Describe the standard flowchart symbols. iii. Draw flowcharts for sequence and for a decision. iv. Turn an everyday task into ordered steps and a diagram.	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, what is an Algorithm, characteristics of a Good Algorithm, what is a Flowchart, drawing Simple Flowcharts. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 9: Introduction to Programming.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A pupil wants to make a cup of tea but writes the steps in this order: drink the tea, boil water, put tea bag in cup, pour boiling water. Explain why this algorithm fails and rewrite the steps in the correct order. ii. A school wants a flowchart that asks a pupil for their class. If the class is JSS 3, the flowchart prints Welcome to JSS 3. For any other class, it prints Sorry, this system is for JSS 3 only. Identify which flowchart symbol you would use for each step and draw the flowchart.