Learning About Computer Generations: First and Third Generations Computer Studies ICT Primary 2 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 2 & 3

Subject: Computer Studies

Class: Primary 2

Term: Third Term

Week: 2 & 3

Topic: Classification of Computers by Generations

Sub-Topic: First and Third Generations of Computers

Duration: 40 minutes

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

• Describe first-generation computers.
• Describe third-generation computers.
• Compare the two generations of computers.

Key Words: Computer, generation, first, third, vacuum tubes, integrated circuits

Entry Behaviour: Pupils have some knowledge of computers from earlier lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures of first and third-generation computers.
• Charts and diagrams showing the differences between the generations.
• Reference books: Lagos State Scheme of Work and computer studies resources.

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

• Review the general concept of computers and their uses.
• Ask pupils if they know about old and new computers.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Critical thinking
• Comparison skills

Learning Materials:

• Chart paper
• Whiteboard markers
• Student notebooks

Instructional Materials:

• Pictures of different computer generations.
• Charts showing the features of first and third-generation computers.

Content:

• Explain the features of first-generation computers.
• Describe third-generation computers and their parts.
• Compare the differences between first and third-generation computers.

First Generation of Computers:

• Time Period: 1940s to 1950s.
• Size: They were very big, sometimes as large as a room! 🏢
• Parts: These computers used vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes were glass tubes with wires inside them.
• Speed: They were very slow and took a long time to do simple tasks.
• Example: ENIAC was one of the first computers and it was huge!

Third Generation of Computers:

• Time Period: 1960s to 1970s.
• Size: These computers were smaller than the first generation.
• Parts: They used integrated circuits (ICs). These are small chips that contain many tiny circuits.
• Speed: They were much faster than first-generation computers.
• Example: IBM 360 was a popular computer from this time.

Class Activity Discussion :

First Generation of Computers

1. When were first-generation computers made?
   • They were made in the 1940s and 1950s.
2. How big were first-generation computers?
   • They were very big, as large as a room.
3. What did first-generation computers use?
   • They used vacuum tubes.
4. Were first-generation computers fast or slow?
   • They were slow.
5. What is an example of a first-generation computer?
   • ENIAC is an example of a first-generation computer.

Third Generation of Computers

6. When were third-generation computers made?
   • They were made in the 1960s and 1970s.
7. How big were third-generation computers?
   • They were smaller than first-generation computers.
8. What did third-generation computers use?
   • They used integrated circuits (ICs).
9. Were third-generation computers fast or slow?
   • They were faster than first-generation computers.
10. What is an example of a third-generation computer?
    • IBM 360 is an example of a third-generation computer.

General Questions

11. What are vacuum tubes?
    • Vacuum tubes are glass tubes with wires inside that were used in old computers.
12. What are integrated circuits (ICs)?
    • ICs are small chips with many tiny circuits inside.
13. Why did third-generation computers use ICs?
    • ICs helped the computers be smaller and faster.
14. Which generation of computers used more energy?
    • First-generation computers used more energy.
15. How have computers changed from the first to the third generation?
    • Computers became smaller, faster, and used different parts from first to third generation.

Evaluation :

The first and third generations of computers:

1. First-generation computers were made in the _______.
   • a) 2000s
   • b) 1940s and 1950s
   • c) 1980s
   • d) 1960s
2. First-generation computers were as large as a _______.
   • a) room
   • b) desk
   • c) bed
   • d) book
3. First-generation computers used _______ tubes.
   • a) light
   • b) vacuum
   • c) rubber
   • d) glass
4. First-generation computers were very _______.
   • a) fast
   • b) quiet
   • c) slow
   • d) colorful
5. ENIAC was a famous first-generation _______.
   • a) car
   • b) train
   • c) plane
   • d) computer
6. Third-generation computers were made in the _______.
   • a) 1930s
   • b) 1960s and 1970s
   • c) 1990s
   • d) 1980s
7. Third-generation computers were _______ than first-generation computers.
   • a) bigger
   • b) heavier
   • c) smaller
   • d) slower
8. Third-generation computers used _______ circuits.
   • a) empty
   • b) electric
   • c) integrated
   • d) disconnected
9. Third-generation computers were much _______ than first-generation computers.
   • a) slower
   • b) noisier
   • c) faster
   • d) heavier
10. IBM 360 was a famous third-generation _______.
    • a) phone
    • b) train
    • c) computer
    • d) bike
11. Vacuum tubes were used in _______ generation computers.
    • a) second
    • b) third
    • c) first
    • d) fourth
12. Integrated circuits helped third-generation computers be _______ and faster.
    • a) older
    • b) bigger
    • c) noisier
    • d) smaller
13. First-generation computers used a lot of _______.
    • a) light
    • b) energy
    • c) paper
    • d) space
14. Third-generation computers had smaller _______ parts.
    • a) electronic
    • b) glass
    • c) paper
    • d) plastic
15. Which generation of computers came first?
    • a) Third
    • b) First
    • c) Second
    • d) Fourth

Presentation:

Step 1: Teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Revision” from Week 1.

• Ask pupils to recall the topics they learned last week.
• Discuss the uses of different types of IT devices.

Step 2: Teacher introduces the new topic “Classification of Computers by Generations: First and Third.”

• Show pictures of first-generation and third-generation computers.
• Explain the main features of first-generation computers, such as vacuum tubes.
• Discuss third-generation computers and their use of integrated circuits.

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

• Ask pupils questions about the differences between first and third-generation computers.
• Encourage pupils to share what they know about old and new computers.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Present the information on first and third-generation computers.
• Ask questions to assess pupils’ understanding.
• Offer clarifications and additional explanations as needed.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the teacher’s explanations.
• Participate in discussions and ask questions.
• Take notes on the differences between first and third-generation computers.

Assessment:

• Observe pupils’ participation and understanding during the lesson.
• Listen to pupils’ answers to questions and provide feedback.

Ten Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a first-generation computer?
2. What part did first-generation computers use?
3. Were first-generation computers big or small?
4. What are third-generation computers?
5. What part do third-generation computers use?
6. Were third-generation computers faster or slower than first-generation computers?
7. What is one difference between first and third-generation computers?
8. Give an example of a first-generation computer.
9. Give an example of a third-generation computer.
10. How have computers changed from the first generation to the third generation?

Conclusion:

• The teacher goes around the class to check pupils’ answers and provides corrections.
• Summarize the key points from the lesson.
• Remind pupils of the importance of understanding how computers have changed over time.