Class: Primary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 8 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Date: [Date]
Subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Topic: HISTORY OF COMPUTER – (3)
Content: Graduation of calculating devices into the present-day computer.
Specific Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Mention the uses of Napier and Pascaline devices.
- Explain who Charles Babbage is.
- Mention the names of key persons in the development of present-day computers.
Reference Materials:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks (List your relevant textbook here)
Instructional Materials:
- Pictures of Napier and Pascaline devices
- Pictures of Charles Babbage and other key persons
- Charts or diagrams illustrating the evolution of computers
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding the history of computers is essential as it helps us appreciate the advancements in technology and the contributions of key figures in computer science.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils should have a basic understanding of the concept of early calculating devices and their functions.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
Content Development: History of Computers – 3
| Step | Time | Teaching Method | Teacher’s Points/Activities | Pupils’ Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 5 mins | Question and Answer | – Ask pupils if they know what early calculating devices are. – Explain that we will learn about the history of computers today. | – Listen and respond to the teacher’s questions. – Show interest in the topic. |
| Napier and Pascaline Devices | 10 mins | Explanation and Discussion | – Show pictures of Napier and Pascaline devices. – Explain their uses (Napier for logarithms, Pascaline for addition and subtraction). – Discuss the importance of these early devices. | – Pay attention to the explanation. – Ask questions if they don’t understand. |
| Charles Babbage | 10 mins | Storytelling | – Tell a brief story about Charles Babbage as the “father of the computer.” – Discuss his contributions to computer science. | – Listen to the story with interest. – Appreciate Charles Babbage’s role. |
| Key Persons in Computer Development | 5 mins | Discussion | – Mention names like Ada Byron and Alan Turing. – Explain their roles in computer development. | – Listen and try to remember the names and roles. |
| Note Taking | 5 mins | Guided Note Taking | – Provide pupils with a concise note summarizing the lesson objectives. – Pupils copy the note into their notebooks. | – Copy the note neatly into their notebooks. |
| Evaluation | 5 mins | Question and Answer | – Ask questions to test pupils’ understanding. – Discuss the answers with pupils. | – Respond to questions asked by the teacher. – Try to answer the questions. |
| Conclusion | 5 mins | Recap and Wrap-up | – Summarize the key points of the lesson. – Encourage pupils to keep learning about computers. | – Listen to the summary. – Show enthusiasm for learning more about computers. |
Note to Pupils:
Napier and Pascaline Devices
Napier and Pascaline devices were early machines used for calculations, John Napier and Blaise Pascal made these early machines.
Napier’s machine worked with special math and was used in navigation and astronomy.
Pascal’s machine, called Pascal’s Calculator, could add and subtract numbers, especially for money.
Charles Babbage
Charles Babbage, often called the “father of the computer,” designed early computers, including the Difference Engine (a calculator) and the Analytical Engine. The Analytical Engine was like a modern computer with memory and calculations.
Ada Byron
Ada Byron, also known as Ada Lovelace, was the world’s first computer programmer. She worked with Babbage and wrote the first computer program.
Alan Turing
Alan Turing, a leader in computer science, helped break secret codes in World War II and created the Turing machine, which influenced modern computing intelligent computers.Â
Images For Pupils
Evaluation:
- What were Napier devices used for?
- What were Pascaline device used for?
- Who is considered the “father of the computer”?
- Who is considered the first computer programmer?
- Mention two key person in the development of computers?
Note to Teachers:
Customize the lesson content, teaching methods, and pupil activities to suit your teaching style, curriculum, and available resources.
