Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: GSM Maintenance And Repairs
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Introduction To Computer: Meaning And Types Of Computer.
Topic: Introduction to computer
Subject Matter: Hardware components, Software components, Computer system units

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a computer.
Differentiate between hardware and software components.
List examples of hardware and software components.
Identify the main parts of a computer system unit.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of computers in daily life.
Show interest in learning more about computer components.

Psychomotor Domain:

Point out various hardware components of a computer system.
Identify software components from examples.

Participate actively in discussions about computer parts.

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 Senior Secondary Schools.
Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A functional computer system unit
Keyboard
Monitor
Screen displaying an operating system interface
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic building blocks of a computer, which is fundamental to GSM maintenance and repairs. It enables pupils to identify and differentiate between the physical and non-physical parts of a computer, forming a foundation for more advanced topics in technology.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with basic electronic devices like mobile phones and might have used computers in primary school or at home.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to Computer

Definition of Computer

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it according to stored instructions, stores the results, and produces information (output).

Hardware Components

Hardware refers to the physical, tangible parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched. These are the electronic and mechanical components.

Examples of hardware components include:

Input Devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone)
Output Devices (e.g., monitor, printer, speaker)
Processing Devices (e.g., Central Processing Unit – CPU)
Storage Devices (e.g., Hard Disk Drive – HDD, Solid State Drive – SSD, Random Access Memory – RAM)
Communication Devices (e.g., Network Interface Card – NIC, modem)

Software Components

Software refers to the set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It is intangible and cannot be physically touched.

Types of software include:

System Software: Programs that manage and control the computer hardware and provide a platform for application software to run.
- Examples: Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, Android), Device Drivers, Utility Programs (e.g., antivirus).
Application Software: Programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
- Examples: Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel), Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox), Games, Photo editing software.

Computer System Units

The computer system unit is the main part of a desktop computer, often referred to as the ‘tower’ or ‘chassis’. It contains the central electronic components necessary for the computer to function.

Key components found inside a system unit include:

Motherboard (the main circuit board)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM) modules
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Expansion Slots (for graphics cards, sound cards, etc.)

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson. The teacher then asks pupils to name some electronic devices they use daily (e.g., mobile phones, calculators, TVs) and asks what makes them work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and mention various electronic devices.
Learning Point: Pupils connect their prior knowledge of electronic devices to the new topic of computers.

Step 2: Presentation of Topic

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Orientation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Introduction to Computer” and writes it on the board. The teacher also states the lesson objectives to the pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the topic into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils are aware of the lesson’s focus and what they are expected to learn.

Step 3: Explanation of Hardware

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines hardware and uses the available instructional materials (system unit, keyboard, monitor) to demonstrate and explain various hardware components, categorizing them into input, output, processing, and storage devices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstration, and ask questions for clarification. They also take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what hardware is and can identify different hardware components.

Step 4: Explanation of Software

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines software, explaining that it is intangible. The teacher then explains the two main types of software (system and application software) with examples, using the operating system screen as an illustration for system software.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the screen, contribute examples, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what software is and can differentiate between system and application software.

Step 5: Explanation of Computer System Unit

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines the computer system unit, emphasizing its role as the ‘brain’ or main housing. The teacher then lists and briefly explains key components found inside the system unit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and take notes on the components of a system unit.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose of the system unit and its internal parts.

Step 6: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to work in pairs or small groups to list three hardware components and three software components they use or encounter daily. The teacher moves around to guide and assist.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and share their lists with the class.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding through active recall and peer interaction.

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 a computer.
Differentiate between hardware and software components.
Mention three examples of computer hardware.
List two types of software and give an example for each.
State two key components found inside a computer system unit.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding computer components. The teacher then gives homework: “Draw and label five hardware components of a computer.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to extend their knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Computer – An electronic device that processes data.
Hardware – The physical, tangible parts of a computer.
Software – The set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do.
System Unit – The main enclosure of a computer’s central components.
Operating System – System software that manages computer hardware and software resources.
CPU – Central Processing Unit, the “brain” of the computer.

Differentiation

The teacher will use visual aids and hands-on demonstrations to cater to visual and kinesthetic learners. Explanations will be clear and concise for auditory learners. For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and list more specific examples of hardware or software. For struggling learners, simpler examples and more direct questioning will be used.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the demonstration of hardware and software is practical and interactive. Emphasize safety when handling computer components. Encourage pupils to relate the concepts to devices they use in their daily lives to make the learning more relevant.