History of Computer, Napier, Pascaline and Charles Babbage for Primary 3

Class: Primary Three
Term: Frist Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: The History of Computers, 2, Abacus and Calculators
topic: Graduation of Calculating Devices into the Present-Day Computer
Content/Learning Area: What is a computer?, The Evolution of Computers, Napier and Pascaline Devices, Charles Babbage, Key Persons in computer Growth
Time Allocation: 40 minutes

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Cognitive Domain:

1. Mention the uses of Napier and Pascaline devices.
2. Explain who Charles Babbage is.
3. Mention the names of key persons in the growth of present-day computers.

• Affective Domain:

1. Show interest in learning about the history of computers.
2. Appreciate the contributions of key figures in computer development.

• Psychomotor Domain:

1.Actively participate in class discussions.2. Take notes during the lesson.

• Social Domain:

1. Work cooperatively with classmates.
2. Share ideas and information.

Reference Materials

• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
• online Information
• Relevant textbooks

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers or pens
• Pictures or diagrams of early calculating devices

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the history of computers helps pupils appreciate the technological advancements we enjoy today. It also provides context for future lessons on computer technology and its impact on society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with basic calculating devices.

Lesson Content

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and retrieve information.It performs calculations, manipulates data, and controls other devices.

The Evolution of Computers

The development of computers has been a long journey, starting with simple calculating devices and progressing to the powerful computers we use today.

Napier and Pascaline Devices

These are early examples of calculating tools that paved the way for modern computers.They are:

1. Napier’s bones: Invented by John Napier,these rods were used for multiplication and division.
2. Pascaline: Blaise Pascal invented this mechanical calculator that added and subtracted numbers.
3. Slide Rule: An analog computer used primarily for multiplication and division, used extensively by engineers and scientists.

Charles Babbage

charles Babbage is often called the “father of the computer” due to his pioneering work. His key inventions are:

1. Difference Engine: A mechanical calculator for calculating mathematical tables.
2. Analytical Engine: A more advanced machine designed to be programmable and perform various calculations.
3. Printing Calculator: Babbage also conceptualized a machine that could print the results of calculations, combining computation with automated output.

Key Persons in Computer Development

Many individuals contributed to computer development, each leaving a lasting impact. These include:

1. Ada Lovelace: The world’s first computer programmer, she collaborated with Charles Babbage and wrote the first computer program.
2. Alan Turing: A leader in computer science, he helped break codes in World War II and created the Turing machine, influencing modern computing.
3. Grace hopper: A pioneer in computer programming, she developed the first compiler and popularized the term “computer bug.”
4. John von Neumann: Known for his contributions to the logical design of computers, he proposed the stored-program concept, which is essential to modern computer architecture.

Teaching Methods

to deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Lecture, Discussion, Question and answer.

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning, reviewing
Teacher’s Activity: Briefly review the previous lesson on early calculating devices. Introduce the topic: “Graduation of calculating Devices into the Present-Day Computer.”
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions about the previous lesson, listen attentively to the introduction.

step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts

Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining, illustrating
Teacher’s Activity: Explain the definition of a computer and its functions. Discuss the evolution of computers from simple calculating devices to modern computers.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively, take notes, ask clarifying questions.

Step 3: Demonstration of Calculating Devices

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating, guiding
Teacher’s Activity: Show pictures or diagrams of Napier’s Bones, Pascaline, and Charles Babbage’s machines. Explain their functions and meaning.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the demonstrations, participate in discussions.

step 4: Autonomous Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring,guiding
Teacher’s Activity: ask pupils to answer the evaluation questions individually.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the evaluation questions independently.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guiding, summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in summarizing the key points of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes, summarize key points.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning, reviewing
Teacher’s Activity: Review the answers to the evaluation questions.
pupils’ Activity: Participate in the review, ask questions.

Objective-aligned checks:

1. Mention the uses of Napier and Pascaline devices.
2. Explain who Charles Babbage is.
3. Mention the names of key persons in the growth of present-day computers.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing,assigning
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points of the lesson and assign homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and note the homework assignment.

Lesson Keywords

• Computer – An electronic device that processes data.
• Evolution – The gradual development of something.
• Napier’s Bones – A manual calculating device for multiplication.
• Pascaline – A mechanical calculator for addition and subtraction.
• Analytical Engine – Charles babbage’s design for a programmable computer.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. What were Napier’s Bones used for?
2. What could the Pascaline do?
3. Who is known as the “father of the computer”?
4. Who is considered the first computer programmer?
5. Name two meaningful people in computer development.

Assignment/Homework

1. Research and write a short paragraph about Ada Lovelace’s contribution to computer science.
2. Draw a diagram of either Napier’s Bones or the Pascaline and label its parts.
3. List three ways computers are used in our daily lives.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
• For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present information on additional key figures in computer history.
• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, discussions, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.

Note for Teachers

Ensure to use visual aids to illustrate the concepts and encourage active participation from all pupils. Provide additional support to pupils who may struggle with the material.