Understanding the Generations of Computers Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 11 years
Topic: Generations of Computers
Sub-topic: Description of Each Generation
Duration: 60 minutes

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

1. Describe the key characteristics of each generation of computers.
2. Identify the technology, speed of operation, and storage capacity of each computer generation.
3. Understand the evolution of computers over time.

Keywords: Generations of Computers, Technology, Speed, Storage Capacity

Set Induction:
Begin with a brief discussion on how computers have changed over time, showing examples of old and new computers. Ask students to think about how they might have evolved.

Entry Behaviour:
Students should be familiar with basic computer concepts and have some knowledge of how technology evolves.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Timeline charts showing the evolution of computers
• Images of computers from different generations
• Projector or whiteboard for visual aids

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Link the topic to students’ experience with different types of computers they might have used or seen, discussing their capabilities and features.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Historical analysis
• Comparative analysis
• Critical thinking

Learning Materials:

• Textbook or handouts on the generations of computers
• Visual aids such as diagrams and photographs

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Computer Studies

Instructional Materials:

• Projector
• Whiteboard
• Markers

Content

I. First Generation (1940s – 1950s):

1. Year of Development: 1940s – 1950s
2. Technology: Vacuum tubes and magnetic drums
3. Speed of Operation: Slow; measured in milliseconds
4. Storage Capacity: Limited; typically a few kilobytes (KB)

II. Second Generation (1950s – 1960s):

1. Year of Development: 1950s – 1960s
2. Technology: Transistors
3. Speed of Operation: Faster than first generation; measured in microseconds
4. Storage Capacity: Increased; up to several megabytes (MB)

III. Third Generation (1960s – 1970s):

1. Year of Development: 1960s – 1970s
2. Technology: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
3. Speed of Operation: Faster; measured in nanoseconds
4. Storage Capacity: Greater; up to several megabytes (MB)

IV. Fourth Generation (1970s – 1990s):

1. Year of Development: 1970s – 1990s
2. Technology: Microprocessors
3. Speed of Operation: Very fast; measured in picoseconds
4. Storage Capacity: Large; up to gigabytes (GB)

V. Fifth Generation (1990s – Present):

1. Year of Development: 1990s – Present
2. Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced microprocessors
3. Speed of Operation: Extremely fast; often in femtoseconds
4. Storage Capacity: Very large; terabytes (TB) and beyond

Evaluation

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. The first generation of computers used __________ tubes for technology.
   a) Transistor
   b) Vacuum
   c) Integrated
   d) Micro
2. The storage capacity of the second generation computers was up to __________ megabytes.
   a) 1
   b) 10
   c) 50
   d) 100
3. Integrated Circuits were used in the __________ generation of computers.
   a) First
   b) Second
   c) Third
   d) Fourth
4. The fourth generation of computers featured __________ processors.
   a) Micro
   b) Vacuum
   c) Transistor
   d) IC
5. The technology of the fifth generation includes __________ intelligence.
   a) Artificial
   b) Magnetic
   c) Digital
   d) Mechanical
6. The speed of operation for third-generation computers was measured in __________.
   a) Milliseconds
   b) Microseconds
   c) Nanoseconds
   d) Picoseconds
7. Vacuum tubes were used in the __________ generation of computers.
   a) First
   b) Second
   c) Third
   d) Fourth
8. The storage capacity of the fourth generation of computers was up to __________ gigabytes.
   a) 1
   b) 10
   c) 100
   d) 1000
9. The second generation of computers was characterized by the use of __________.
   a) Transistors
   b) Integrated Circuits
   c) Microprocessors
   d) AI
10. Artificial Intelligence is a feature of the __________ generation of computers.
    a) First
    b) Second
    c) Third
    d) Fifth
11. The speed of operation in the fourth generation of computers is measured in __________.
    a) Microseconds
    b) Nanoseconds
    c) Picoseconds
    d) Milliseconds
12. Microprocessors were introduced during the __________ generation of computers.
    a) First
    b) Second
    c) Third
    d) Fourth
13. The storage capacity of computers in the fifth generation is measured in __________.
    a) Kilobytes
    b) Megabytes
    c) Gigabytes
    d) Terabytes
14. Integrated Circuits were a key technology in the __________ generation of computers.
    a) First
    b) Second
    c) Third
    d) Fourth
15. The speed of operation in the fifth generation of computers is often measured in __________.
    a) Milliseconds
    b) Microseconds
    c) Nanoseconds
    d) Femtoseconds

Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers:

1. Q: What technology was used in the first generation of computers?
   A: Vacuum tubes were used in the first generation.
2. Q: How did the storage capacity improve from the first to the second generation?
   A: The second generation had a much larger storage capacity, up to several megabytes.
3. Q: What are integrated circuits and which generation used them?
   A: Integrated circuits are a set of electronic components on a single chip, used in the third generation.
4. Q: What is the significance of microprocessors in the fourth generation of computers?
   A: Microprocessors allowed for more compact and faster computers with greater capabilities.
5. Q: How has the speed of operation changed from the first to the fifth generation?
   A: The speed has increased significantly, from milliseconds to femtoseconds.
6. Q: What role does artificial intelligence play in the fifth generation of computers?
   A: AI enables computers to perform tasks that require human-like intelligence.
7. Q: How did the introduction of transistors impact the development of computers?
   A: Transistors made computers faster, more reliable, and less bulky compared to vacuum tubes.
8. Q: What improvements in storage capacity were seen in the third generation?
   A: Storage capacity improved to several megabytes.
9. Q: Describe the technological advancement from the second to the third generation of computers.
   A: The transition from transistors to integrated circuits allowed for more powerful and compact computers.
10. Q: What are some features of modern computers in the fifth generation?
    A: Modern computers feature advanced microprocessors, high-speed operation, and large storage capacities.
11. Q: How did storage capacities evolve from the first to the fourth generation?
    A: Storage evolved from a few kilobytes to gigabytes.
12. Q: What impact did microprocessors have on computer technology?
    A: Microprocessors enabled the creation of personal computers and increased computing power and efficiency.
13. Q: What are the key differences in speed between the first and fifth generations?
    A: Speed increased from milliseconds to femtoseconds.
14. Q: How does AI contribute to modern computing?
    A: AI enhances computers’ ability to perform complex tasks and learn from data.
15. Q: Why is it important to understand the generations of computers?
    A: Understanding the generations helps us appreciate the advancements and capabilities of modern technology.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on the historical development of computers.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic on computer generations, explaining the key characteristics of each generation.

Step 3: The teacher encourages students to discuss and ask questions about the different generations, providing feedback and corrections as needed.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Present visual aids and detailed explanations of each generation.
• Lead class discussions and answer questions.
• Provide feedback on students’ understanding through evaluation questions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Engage with the lesson by reviewing charts and images.
• Complete fill-in-the-blank questions and participate in discussions.
• Offer observations and ask questions.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions):

1. Describe the key features of each generation of computers.
2. Explain the technological advancements from the first to the fifth generation.
3. Discuss how storage capacity evolved over different generations.
4. Compare the speed of operation between different computer generations.
5. Identify the technology used in each generation of computers.

Conclusion:
The teacher will review students’ responses, provide feedback, and ensure understanding of the key concepts about the generations of computers.

More Useful Links

• Exploring Basic Computer Concepts Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Understanding Data and Information Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Exploring How We Send Messages: From Ancient to Modern Methods Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6