Components of Computer System – Hardware, Software, Peopleware Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2
Lesson Plan for Computer Studies
Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 12 years
Topic: The Computer System
Sub-topic: Components of Computer System – Hardware, Software, Peopleware
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define a computer system.
- Identify and explain the components of a computer system.
- Differentiate between hardware, software, and peopleware.
- Provide examples of hardware, software, and peopleware in a computer system.
Keywords:
- Computer System
- Hardware
- Software
- Peopleware
- Components
Set Induction:
Show students a disassembled computer and ask them to name as many parts as they recognize. Then, introduce the topic by explaining that computers are made up of different components that work together.
Entry Behavior:
Students are already familiar with basic computer functions and parts from previous lessons.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- A disassembled computer showing hardware components
- A projector for showing software interfaces
- Handouts listing examples of hardware, software, and peopleware
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Discuss the students’ prior knowledge of computer parts, such as the monitor and keyboard, and connect it to the broader concept of hardware and software.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Group collaboration
- Observation skills
Learning Materials:
- Reference books on computer studies
- Computer system chart for visual aid
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- “Understanding Computer Science” by A. James
Instructional Materials:
- A functional computer system (desktop or laptop)
- Charts illustrating hardware, software, and peopleware
- Projector for demonstrations
Content:
- Definition of a Computer System: A computer system is an integrated set of components that work together to process data and produce results. The key components are hardware, software, and peopleware.
- Components of a Computer System:
- Hardware: The physical components of a computer that can be seen and touched. Examples include:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Printer
- Software: The programs and applications that control hardware and allow users to perform tasks. Software is categorized into:
- System Software: Controls the hardware and manages other software. Example: Operating Systems like Windows and Linux.
- Application Software: Programs that help users perform specific tasks. Example: Microsoft Word, Excel, games, etc.
- Peopleware: Refers to the people who design, operate, and use the computer system. Examples include:
- System Analysts
- Programmers
- Users (students, teachers, office workers)
- Hardware: The physical components of a computer that can be seen and touched. Examples include:
- Differences Between Hardware, Software, and Peopleware:
- Hardware is the tangible part, software is intangible (it can’t be touched), and peopleware refers to the users and operators of the computer.
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15):
- A computer system is made up of hardware, __________, and peopleware. (a) data (b) software (c) network (d) protocols
- The monitor and keyboard are examples of __________. (a) hardware (b) software (c) peopleware (d) networks
- __________ is a type of system software. (a) Microsoft Word (b) Operating System (c) Photoshop (d) Video games
- The part of the computer responsible for processing data is the __________. (a) monitor (b) mouse (c) CPU (d) printer
- __________ refers to the individuals who use or operate the computer. (a) Hardware (b) Software (c) Peopleware (d) Programs
- The __________ is used to input text into the computer. (a) mouse (b) keyboard (c) monitor (d) printer
- __________ is an example of application software. (a) Windows (b) Microsoft Excel (c) BIOS (d) Antivirus
- The printer is a hardware component used for __________. (a) input (b) storage (c) output (d) processing
- Programmers are part of the __________ category of the computer system. (a) hardware (b) software (c) peopleware (d) output
- An example of hardware that displays information to users is the __________. (a) keyboard (b) monitor (c) CPU (d) software
- __________ are programs that control the operation of a computer. (a) Hardware (b) Operating systems (c) Peopleware (d) Data
- The __________ is responsible for executing instructions in a computer. (a) CPU (b) printer (c) mouse (d) scanner
- __________ refers to physical devices like hard drives and RAM. (a) Peopleware (b) Hardware (c) Software (d) Networks
- Users who interact with computers are classified as __________. (a) software (b) peopleware (c) output (d) processors
- Antivirus software is a type of __________ software. (a) application (b) system (c) utility (d) peopleware
FAQs (15):
- What is a computer system?
A computer system is a combination of hardware, software, and peopleware that work together to process data. - What are hardware components?
Hardware components are the physical parts of a computer, like the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. - What is the role of software in a computer system?
Software is responsible for controlling the hardware and allowing users to perform tasks like writing documents or browsing the internet. - What does peopleware refer to?
Peopleware refers to the individuals who operate, design, and use computer systems. - Can you give examples of application software?
Examples of application software include Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers. - What is system software?
System software controls the hardware and manages the computer’s basic functions. The operating system is a key example. - What is the difference between hardware and software?
Hardware is the physical part of the computer, while software refers to the programs and applications that run on the hardware. - Who are the users of a computer system?
Users include individuals such as students, teachers, office workers, and system administrators who interact with the computer system. - What is the function of the CPU?
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes data and executes instructions in the computer system. - Why is peopleware important in a computer system?
Peopleware is important because without human interaction, the hardware and software cannot be effectively used. - How does software differ from hardware in terms of tangibility?
Software is intangible (you cannot touch it), while hardware is tangible and can be physically handled. - What type of hardware is a mouse?
A mouse is an input device, allowing users to interact with the computer. - What is the role of an operating system?
The operating system manages the hardware and software, and provides an interface for users to interact with the computer. - Can peopleware include programmers?
Yes, programmers who write software are considered part of peopleware. - Is the keyboard a hardware or software component?
The keyboard is a hardware component used for input.
Presentation Steps:
- Revising the Previous Topic: Discuss what students remember about basic computer functions.
- Introducing the New Topic: Use the disassembled computer to demonstrate hardware and show examples of software and peopleware.
- Allowing Pupils to Contribute: Ask students to classify components as hardware, software, or peopleware based on examples you give.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Present different computer components (hardware, software, peopleware) using a disassembled computer and projector.
- Lead group discussions on each component.
- Use real-world examples to show the importance of each category.
- In order for a computer system to work, it needs three main components: Hardware, Software and Peopleware.
Hardware is the physical equipment that makes up the system, such as the motherboard, processor, RAM and hard drive.
Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Peopleware is the term used for the human element in a computer system, including users and administrators.
In this blog post, we will discuss each of these components in more detail!
Hardware is the physical equipment that makes up the system, such as the motherboard, processor, RAM and hard drive.
Hardware is important because it provides the foundation for the other two components to work. Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Peopleware is the term used for the human element in a computer system, including users and administrators.
Peopleware is important because it ensures that the system is used correctly and efficiently.
When it comes to Hardware, there are four main types: input devices, output devices, storage devices and processing devices.
Input devices allow users to enter data into the system, such as a keyboard or mouse.
Output devices allow the system to communicate results to the user, such as a monitor or printer.
Storage devices hold data and instructions for the system, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive.
Processing devices perform operations on data, such as a processor or graphics card.
Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Software can be divided into two main categories: system software and application software.
System software is low-level software that manages the hardware and provides a platform for application software to run.
Application software is the type of software that users interact with, such as a word processor or web browser.
Peopleware is the term used for the human element in a computer system, including users and administrators.
Peopleware is important because it ensures that the system is used correctly and efficiently. Users are the people who interact with the system to perform tasks, such as entering data or running applications. Administrators are responsible for maintaining the system, such as installing updates or backing up data.
Learners’ Activities:
- Participate in class discussions and group work.
- Classify various computer components as hardware, software, or peopleware.
- Complete fill-in-the-blank exercises and FAQs.
Assessment:
- Monitor students’ participation during discussions.
- Review their ability to classify computer components correctly.
Evaluation Questions (10):
- What are the three main components of a computer system?
- Define hardware and provide two examples.
- What is the difference between system software and application software?
- Give two examples of peopleware in a computer system.
- What is the function of the operating system?
- Name an input device and an output device.
- Explain why peopleware is important in a computer system.
- Define software and list two examples.
- What is the role of a system analyst in a computer system?
- Why is hardware essential to a computer system?
- Write a BASIC program to find the average of five numbers.
- Write short notes on the program terminator.
- Explain the following: Character set, constants and variables.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the relationship between hardware, software, and peopleware. Reinforce that all components must work together for a computer system to function effectively. Assign a practical exercise for students to identify and classify components of their home or school computers