Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Computer Studies
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Basic Programming Language: Meaning of “BASIC”, Basic Statement & Basic Characters.
Topic: BASIC PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
Subject Matter: BASIC arithmetic operators, BASIC arithmetic expressions, writing simple BASIC programs, running a BASIC program

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define BASIC arithmetic operators.
Explain BASIC arithmetic expressions.
State the steps involved in writing a simple BASIC program.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of using BASIC for simple calculations.
Develop interest in writing basic computer programs.

Psychomotor Domain:

Write a simple BASIC program involving arithmetic operations.
Run a simple BASIC program on a computer.

Collaborate with peers to identify and correct errors in simple BASIC programs.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Computer Studies.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Computer Studies, SSS 1.
New System Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A computer with BASIC interpreter/compiler installed.
A chart displaying BASIC arithmetic operators and example expressions.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how computers perform calculations using a programming language. It introduces them to the fundamental concepts of programming, which is important for developing problem-solving skills and preparing them for more advanced computing topics.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of computer operations and arithmetic calculations in mathematics.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

BASIC Arithmetic Operators

BASIC arithmetic operators are symbols used to perform mathematical calculations within a BASIC program. They instruct the computer on what type of calculation to perform on numerical values.

The following are common BASIC arithmetic operators:

+ (Addition): Adds two numbers. e.g., A + B
– (Subtraction): Subtracts one number from another. e.g., X – Y
* (Multiplication): Multiplies two numbers. e.g., 5 * 10
/ (Division): Divides one number by another. e.g., 20 / 4
^ (Exponentiation): Raises a number to a power. e.g., 2 ^ 3 (means 2 raised to the power of 3)

BASIC Arithmetic Expressions

A BASIC arithmetic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and arithmetic operators that the computer evaluates to produce a single numerical value. Expressions follow specific rules of precedence.

Rules for writing BASIC arithmetic expressions:

Expressions are evaluated from left to right.
Operator precedence: Exponentiation (^) is performed first, then Multiplication (*) and Division (/), and finally Addition (+) and Subtraction (-).
Parentheses ( ) can be used to override the standard order of precedence. Operations inside parentheses are performed first.

Examples of BASIC arithmetic expressions:

10 + 5 * 2 (Result: 20, because 5*2 is done first)
(10 + 5) * 2 (Result: 30, because 10+5 is done first)
A / B + C

Writing Simple BASIC Programs

A BASIC program is a set of instructions written in the BASIC language, designed to be executed by a computer to perform a specific task.

Key elements for writing simple BASIC programs:

Line Numbers: Each line in a BASIC program typically starts with a line number (e.g., 10, 20, 30). This determines the order of execution.
BASIC Commands: Instructions like PRINT (to display output), LET (to assign values to variables), INPUT (to get input from the user), END (to terminate the program).

Example of a simple BASIC program to add two numbers:

10 LET A = 5
20 LET B = 10
30 LET SUM = A + B
40 PRINT "The sum is: "; SUM
50 END

Running a BASIC Program

Running a BASIC program involves loading it into the BASIC interpreter and executing the instructions.

Steps to run a BASIC program (e.g., using a typical BASIC interpreter):

Open the BASIC interpreter.
Type `NEW` to clear any previous program (optional).
Type the program line by line, pressing Enter after each line.
Type `RUN` and press Enter to execute the program.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The teacher then introduces the topic, BASIC Programming Language, and explains that computers use specific symbols and rules to perform these operations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about arithmetic operations and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of programming for calculations.

Step 2: Presentation of BASIC Arithmetic Operators

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what BASIC arithmetic operators are and lists them on the board, showing examples of each. The teacher uses the chart to illustrate the operators and their functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the chart, and copy notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the function of BASIC arithmetic operators.

Step 3: Presentation of BASIC Arithmetic Expressions

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what BASIC arithmetic expressions are and the rules for writing them, including operator precedence and the use of parentheses. The teacher provides examples and asks pupils to evaluate simple expressions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and attempt to evaluate expressions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to form and evaluate BASIC arithmetic expressions.

Step 4: Demonstration of Writing Simple BASIC Programs

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to write a simple BASIC program to perform a calculation (e.g., adding two numbers) using the computer. The teacher explains each line number and command (LET, PRINT, END) as they type.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration on the computer screen or projector and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the basic structure and commands for writing a simple BASIC program.

Step 5: Demonstration of Running a BASIC Program

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the steps to run the previously written BASIC program on the computer, showing how the output is displayed. The teacher emphasizes the `RUN` command.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the execution of the program and its output.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the procedure for executing a BASIC program.

Step 6: Guided Practice/Application

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Collaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to write a very simple BASIC program (e.g., to multiply two numbers) on paper or in pairs, applying the concepts learned. The teacher circulates to provide assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work individually or in pairs to write a simple BASIC program.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to write a basic program.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define BASIC arithmetic operators.
List three BASIC arithmetic operators and state their functions.
Explain what a BASIC arithmetic expression is.
State any two steps involved in writing a simple BASIC program.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of operators, expressions, and the basic steps to write and run a simple BASIC program. The teacher gives pupils homework to write a BASIC program to calculate the average of three numbers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

BASIC – Beginners’ All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, a high-level programming language.
Operator – A symbol that represents a specific action or calculation (e.g., +, -, *, /, ^).
Expression – A combination of values, variables, and operators that results in a single value.
Program – A set of instructions given to a computer to perform a task.
RUN – A BASIC command used to execute a program.
PRINT – A BASIC command used to display output on the screen.
LET – A BASIC command used to assign a value to a variable.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can provide additional challenges, such as writing programs with more complex expressions or incorporating user input. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified examples, offer one-on-one guidance, and encourage peer tutoring. The teacher will ensure all pupils have hands-on time with the computer to practice running programs.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the computer with BASIC installed is fully functional before the lesson. If a single computer is available, use a projector to display the screen clearly for all pupils. Encourage active participation and questioning. Practical demonstration is key to understanding programming concepts.