Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Basic Computer Concept, Definition, Parts, Categories, and Input/Output Devices
Topic: Data And Information
Subject Matter: Meaning, Sources and examples of data and information, Qualities of a good information – Accurate, Comprehensive, Meaningful, Relevant, Timely, Suitable etc..

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Differentiate between data and information.
(b) Identify sources and examples of data and information.
(c) Explain the qualities of good information.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of reliable information in decision-making.
(b) Show interest in collecting accurate data for school activities.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate how to collect data from simple sources like surveys or class registers.
Social Domain:
(a) Work together in groups to share examples of data and information.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Bloomfire – What is Data vs. What is Information?
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing flow of data to information
A class register as example of raw data
Newspapers or magazines as examples of information
Flash cards showing qualities of good information
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding data and information helps learners build skills in processing facts, recognizing reliable sources, and applying knowledge effectively in daily life and academics.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are already familiar with basic facts and figures in subjects like Mathematics and have experience with using simple information from class registers, timetables, and announcements.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Data and Information

Data are raw facts, figures, or observations that have not been processed. Information is processed data that is meaningful and useful to the user.

The following are examples of data and information:

Scores in an examination (data) and the class average derived from it (information).
Daily temperature records (data) and the weather forecast (information).
Names of students in a class (data) and the attendance list (information).
Raw sales figures (data) and a business profit analysis (information).

Sources of Data and Information

Data and information can be obtained from different places and through various means.

The following are sources of data and information:

Observation of events and activities.
Surveys and questionnaires.
Experiments and research findings.
Newspapers, magazines, and books.
Internet and digital databases.
Oral interviews and reports.
Government records and statistics.

Qualities of Good Information

For information to be useful, it must have certain qualities that make it reliable and effective.

The following are qualities of good information:

Accuracy – it must be correct and free from errors.
Comprehensiveness – it must be complete and cover all relevant aspects.
Meaningfulness – it should make sense to the user.
Relevance – it must be related to the purpose for which it is used.
Timeliness – it should be available at the right time.
Suitability – it must fit the user’s needs and level of understanding.
Clarity – it should be simple and easy to understand.
Reliability – it should come from trustworthy sources.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

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

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a class register and asks pupils to identify what kind of data can be collected from it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning names, ages, and scores.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the idea of raw facts as data.

Step 2: Data and Information

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the difference between data and information, giving classroom-related examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and repeat the examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that data becomes information when processed.

Step 3: Sources of Data and Information

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents charts and lists sources of data and information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils provide examples of where they have seen or collected data in school or at home.
Learning Point: Pupils identify different sources of data and information.

Step 4: Qualities of Good Information

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation and Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the qualities of good information with flash cards.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read aloud and discuss why these qualities are important.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the key qualities that make information useful.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write the notes in their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Differentiate between data and information.
Mention three sources of data.
List three qualities of good information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to always seek accurate and timely information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the importance of good information.

Home Task: Record two correct examples of Data And Information from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

Data – raw facts or figures
Information – processed data that is meaningful
Accuracy – correctness of information
Relevance – connection of information to its purpose
Timeliness – availability of information at the right time

Differentiation

Slower learners are guided with simpler examples while advanced learners are encouraged to provide practical examples from real-life situations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use practical examples that pupils can relate to, such as class registers and timetables. Encourage participation by asking pupils to share sources of information from their homes and community.