HomeJSS 1ComputerHistorical Development of Computers Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Historical Development of Computers Computer Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 11 years
Topic: Historical Development of Computers
Sub-topic: Early Counting Devices, Mechanical Counting and Calculating Devices, Electro-Mechanical Devices, Electronic Counting Devices and Modern Computers
Duration: 60 minutes

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

  1. Describe early counting devices and their uses.
  2. Explain the development of mechanical and electro-mechanical counting devices.
  3. Identify key electronic counting devices and modern computers.
  4. Understand the contributions of notable figures in the development of computing technology.

Keywords: Counting Devices, Mechanical Devices, Electro-Mechanical Devices, Electronic Devices, Computers

Set Induction:
Start with a short video or images showing various ancient counting methods and early calculating machines. Ask students to guess how people counted and calculated before computers were invented.

Entry Behaviour:
Students should have a basic understanding of what computers are and their use in daily life.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Images of early counting devices and historical machines
  • Charts showing the evolution of computing technology
  • Projector or whiteboard for visual aids

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Discuss how counting and calculations were done before computers, linking it to students’ experiences with modern calculators and computers.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Historical analysis
  • Research
  • Presentation skills

Learning Materials:

  • Textbook or handouts on the history of computing
  • Visual aids such as diagrams and photographs

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for Computer Studies

Instructional Materials:

  • Projector
  • Whiteboard
  • Markers

Content

I. Early Counting Devices:

  1. Fingers: Used for counting by pointing and keeping track of numbers.
  2. Stones: Small stones used to represent numbers or keep track of quantities.
  3. Sticks: Sticks were used to tally and record numbers.
  4. Pebbles: Pebbles were used similarly to stones for counting.
  5. Cowrie Shells: Used in ancient times for counting and trade.
  6. Grains: Grains were used to keep count, often in trade and record-keeping.

II. Mechanical Counting and Calculating Devices:

  1. Abacus: An ancient tool for arithmetic calculation using beads on rods.
  2. Slide Rule: A mechanical device for multiplication and division, used before electronic calculators.

III. Electro-Mechanical Counting Devices:

  1. John Napier’s Bones: A set of rods used for multiplication and division.
  2. Blaise Pascal’s Machine: An early mechanical calculator that could perform addition and subtraction.
  3. Gottfried Leibniz’s Machine: An advanced mechanical calculator that could perform all four arithmetic operations.
  4. Joseph Jacquard’s Loom: Used punch cards to control the pattern of weaving.
  5. Charles Babbage’s Analytical Machine: An early mechanical general-purpose computer designed but never completed.
  6. Phillip Emeagwali: An African scientist known for contributions to the development of supercomputing.

IV. Electronic Counting Devices and Modern Computers:

  1. Herman Hollerith’s Punch Cards: Used for data processing and census calculations.
  2. John Von Neumann Machine: A design architecture for modern computers, featuring a stored-program concept.

V. Modern Machines:

  • Modern computers include personal computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, characterized by advanced microprocessors and high-speed data processing.

Evaluation

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

  1. Fingers were one of the earliest tools used for __________.
    a) Cooking
    b) Counting
    c) Drawing
    d) Writing
  2. The __________ is a mechanical device used for arithmetic calculations with beads on rods.
    a) Slide rule
    b) Abacus
    c) Punch card
    d) Loom
  3. John Napier’s Bones were used for __________ and division.
    a) Addition
    b) Subtraction
    c) Multiplication
    d) All of the above
  4. The Blaise Pascal’s Machine was an early calculator that performed __________.
    a) Addition
    b) Subtraction
    c) Multiplication
    d) Both a and b
  5. The Jacquard Loom used __________ cards for controlling weaving patterns.
    a) Magnetic
    b) Plastic
    c) Punch
    d) Computer
  6. Charles Babbage’s Analytical Machine was an early design for a __________.
    a) Calculator
    b) Computer
    c) Typewriter
    d) Loom
  7. Herman Hollerith’s Punch Cards were used for __________ processing.
    a) Image
    b) Data
    c) Sound
    d) Text
  8. John Von Neumann is known for his design of the __________ architecture.
    a) Computer
    b) Mechanical
    c) Electronic
    d) Slide rule
  9. Phillip Emeagwali contributed to the development of __________ computing.
    a) Super
    b) Mechanical
    c) Basic
    d) Analog
  10. Modern computers include devices like __________, tablets, and smartphones.
    a) Abacus
    b) Slide rule
    c) Laptops
    d) Punch cards
  11. The Abacus uses __________ to represent numbers.
    a) Beads
    b) Bones
    c) Sticks
    d) Grains
  12. Gottfried Leibniz’s Machine was significant because it performed __________ operations.
    a) Addition
    b) Multiplication
    c) Division
    d) All four
  13. Electronic Counting Devices include __________ machines.
    a) Abacus
    b) Slide rule
    c) Modern computers
    d) John Napier’s Bones
  14. The Slide Rule was used mainly for __________ and division.
    a) Addition
    b) Subtraction
    c) Multiplication
    d) Measurement
  15. Modern Machines are characterized by __________ microprocessors.
    a) Simple
    b) Advanced
    c) Mechanical
    d) Manual

Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers:

  1. Q: What was the purpose of using fingers for counting?
    A: Fingers were used to keep track of numbers by pointing and counting.
  2. Q: How does an abacus help in calculations?
    A: An abacus helps by using beads on rods to perform arithmetic operations.
  3. Q: What was the main function of Blaise Pascal’s Machine?
    A: It performed addition and subtraction.
  4. Q: Why are John Napier’s Bones important in the history of computing?
    A: They were an early tool for multiplication and division.
  5. Q: What role did Joseph Jacquard’s Loom play in computing history?
    A: It used punch cards to control weaving patterns, influencing later computing devices.
  6. Q: What was unique about Charles Babbage’s Analytical Machine?
    A: It was an early design for a general-purpose computer.
  7. Q: How did Herman Hollerith’s Punch Cards contribute to data processing?
    A: They were used for efficient data entry and processing.
  8. Q: What is the significance of John Von Neumann’s Machine?
    A: It introduced the stored-program concept, foundational for modern computers.
  9. Q: What advancements characterize modern computers?
    A: They have advanced microprocessors and high-speed data processing capabilities.
  10. Q: What is Phillip Emeagwali known for in computing?
    A: His contributions to supercomputing and parallel processing.
  11. Q: How did early counting devices influence modern technology?
    A: They laid the groundwork for more advanced calculating and computing tools.
  12. Q: What was the main function of the Slide Rule?
    A: It was used for multiplication and division before electronic calculators.
  13. Q: Describe the main features of electro-mechanical devices.
    A: They combined mechanical and electrical elements for calculations and data processing.
  14. Q: What did the development of electronic counting devices lead to?
    A: It paved the way for the creation of modern computers.
  15. Q: How have modern machines impacted daily life?
    A: They provide advanced computing power, facilitating various tasks and improving efficiency.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on basic concepts of computing.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by explaining the historical development of counting and calculating devices.

Step 3: The teacher allows pupils to discuss and ask questions, providing corrections as necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Present visual aids and historical context for each device.
  • Facilitate class discussions on the evolution of technology.
  • Lead a Q&A session based on the FAQs.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Engage with the visual aids and discussions.
  • Complete fill-in-the-blank questions.
  • Participate in the Q&A session and offer their observations.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions):

  1. Describe the early counting devices and their uses.
  2. Explain how the abacus and slide rule work.
  3. Identify key contributions of electro-mechanical devices in computing.
  4. Discuss the impact of electronic counting devices on modern computing.
  5. List and describe modern machines and their features.

Conclusion:
The teacher will review each student’s understanding through the evaluation questions, providing feedback and marking their responses.

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