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.

More Useful Links

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