Generational Development of Computers From Abacus to Smartphone Computer Studies Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Information Technology (IT) Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Information Technology (IT)

Class: Primary 3

Term: First Term

Week: 2

Age: 8 years

Topic: Generational Development of Computers

Sub-topic: From Abacus to Smartphone

Duration: 40 minutes

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

1. Identify the different stages of computer development.
2. Match years with key advancements in computer history.
3. Describe how computers have evolved from the abacus to smartphones.

Keywords: Abacus, Generational Development, Computer, Smartphone, Evolution

Set Induction: The teacher will show pictures of an abacus, an old computer, and a smartphone and ask pupils to identify and describe each one.

Entry Behaviour: Pupils are familiar with basic computer parts and their functions.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures of an abacus, old computers, and modern smartphones
• Timeline chart
• Flashcards

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Discussing how computers have changed over time helps pupils appreciate the advancements in technology they see today.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Observation

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Pictures and diagrams of different computers through the ages
• Flashcards with key terms and years

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary 3
• IT history textbooks

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards
• Pictures
• Diagrams
• Whiteboard

Content

Generational Development of Computers

1. Abacus (2000 BC):
   • First known tool for calculations.
2. Mechanical Calculators (1600s):
   • Early machines that could perform basic arithmetic.
3. First Generation Computers (1940s-1950s):
   • Used vacuum tubes and were very large.
4. Second Generation Computers (1950s-1960s):
   • Used transistors, making them smaller and faster.
5. Third Generation Computers (1960s-1970s):
   • Used integrated circuits, further reducing size and increasing speed.
6. Fourth Generation Computers (1970s-present):
   • Use microprocessors, leading to personal computers and laptops.
7. Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond):
   • Use artificial intelligence and advanced processing capabilities, including smartphones.

Matching Years with Advancements

1. 2000 BC: Abacus
2. 1600s: Mechanical Calculators
3. 1940s-1950s: First Generation Computers
4. 1950s-1960s: Second Generation Computers
5. 1960s-1970s: Third Generation Computers
6. 1970s-present: Fourth Generation Computers
7. Present and Beyond: Fifth Generation Computers

The first computer was called the Abacus counting machine.

Early mechanical counting devices and their inventors

Abacus

The first computer was made several years ago by a man called Abacus. It was used for simple additions and subtractions.

It is known as the Abacus counting machine.

Other early inventions that were discovered and useful for counting are

..1. Pascal Machine

.2 . Slide ruler

1. Analytical machine

2. Abacus

Pioneers Of Early Mechanical calculating Machines 

Blaise Pascal : A Frenchman called Blaise Pascal made the first adding machine in 1642. It was a very big machine. Blaise Pascal’s father used this machine in recording taxes collected and spent by the government.

Sir Samuel Morland: Sir Samuel Morland, an Englishman, invented three calculating machines between 1663 and

1. The first one was used for addition and subtraction of money. The other two were used for more difficult arithmetic.

Charles Babbage : Charles Babbage, another Englishman, made the first machine that calculates and stores information. His computer was better than an ordinary calculator. It was a very big machine.

Evaluation

1. The first tool used for calculations was the ______. a) Abacus b) Smartphone c) Vacuum tube d) Transistor
2. Mechanical calculators were used in the ______. a) 2000 BC b) 1600s c) 1940s d) Present
3. The first generation of computers used ______. a) Microprocessors b) Integrated circuits c) Transistors d) Vacuum tubes
4. Second generation computers used ______. a) Microprocessors b) Vacuum tubes c) Transistors d) Integrated circuits
5. Integrated circuits were used in the ______ generation of computers. a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth
6. Personal computers and laptops belong to the ______ generation. a) First b) Fourth c) Second d) Third
7. Fifth generation computers use ______. a) Mechanical calculators b) Transistors c) Artificial intelligence d) Vacuum tubes
8. The abacus was used around ______. a) 1600s b) 1940s c) 2000 BC d) Present
9. The ______ generation saw the introduction of transistors. a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth
10. Smartphones are part of the ______ generation of computers. a) First b) Second c) Fourth d) Fifth
11. Vacuum tubes were used in ______ generation computers. a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth
12. Integrated circuits made computers ______. a) Larger b) Smaller c) Slower d) Less efficient
13. The third generation of computers started in the ______. a) 1960s b) 1600s c) 1940s d) 2000 BC
14. Computers with artificial intelligence belong to the ______ generation. a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fifth
15. The introduction of microprocessors occurred in the ______ generation. a) First b) Fourth c) Second d) Third

FAQs

1. What is an abacus?
   • An abacus is an ancient tool used for calculations.
2. When were mechanical calculators used?
   • In the 1600s.
3. What did the first generation of computers use?
   • They used vacuum tubes.
4. What replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation?
   • Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
5. What advancement marked the third generation of computers?
   • The use of integrated circuits.
6. When did microprocessors become common?
   • In the fourth generation of computers.
7. What are fifth generation computers known for?
   • They use artificial intelligence and advanced processing.
8. What is a microprocessor?
   • A microprocessor is a small chip that contains the functions of a computer’s CPU.
9. How did integrated circuits improve computers?
   • They made computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
10. Why are smartphones considered fifth generation computers?
    • Because they use advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
11. What were the main characteristics of first generation computers?
    • They were very large and used vacuum tubes.
12. When did the second generation of computers start?
    • In the 1950s.
13. What is the importance of transistors in computer history?
    • They made computers smaller and more efficient.
14. How did the introduction of integrated circuits change computers?
    • It significantly reduced the size and increased the speed of computers.
15. What is the current generation of computers?
    • The fifth generation, which includes modern devices like smartphones.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was the basic parts and functions of a computer.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by showing pictures and explaining the stages of computer development from the abacus to the smartphone.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and corrects them when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Show pictures and diagrams of different stages of computer development.
• Explain each stage and its significance.
• Guide pupils in matching years with advancements.

Learners’ Activities:

• Observe and identify different computer stages.
• Participate in matching activities.
• Ask and answer questions about computer history.

Assessment:

1. Name the tool used for calculations in 2000 BC.
2. What did the first generation of computers use?
3. When were transistors introduced in computers?
4. What generation used integrated circuits?
5. What is a computer device?
6. What device do we use to receive information?
7. What did the early people use to count?
8. The first adding machine was invented in what year?
9. Abacus is use for……………. And …………….
10. Mention four early counting devices
11. Name five counting devices people used before the invention of computer.
12. Write to inventors, their invention and the use of their invention
13. What marks the fifth generation of computers?
14. What year did mechanical calculators appear?
15. Describe the significance of microprocessors.
16. How did integrated circuits improve computers?
17. What is artificial intelligence?
18. Match 1940s-1950s with the correct computer generation.

Conclusion: The teacher goes around to mark and provide feedback on the pupils’ answers and participation.