Learning About Computer Generations: First and Third Generations Computer Studies ICT Primary 2 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 2 & 3
Classification of computers by generations Explain first and third generations of computers X First generation ✗ Third generation
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
- When were first-generation computers made?
- They were made in the 1940s and 1950s.
- How big were first-generation computers?
- They were very big, as large as a room.
- What did first-generation computers use?
- They used vacuum tubes.
- Were first-generation computers fast or slow?
- They were slow.
- What is an example of a first-generation computer?
- ENIAC is an example of a first-generation computer.
Third Generation of Computers
- When were third-generation computers made?
- They were made in the 1960s and 1970s.
- How big were third-generation computers?
- They were smaller than first-generation computers.
- What did third-generation computers use?
- They used integrated circuits (ICs).
- Were third-generation computers fast or slow?
- They were faster than first-generation computers.
- What is an example of a third-generation computer?
- IBM 360 is an example of a third-generation computer.
General Questions
- What are vacuum tubes?
- Vacuum tubes are glass tubes with wires inside that were used in old computers.
- What are integrated circuits (ICs)?
- ICs are small chips with many tiny circuits inside.
- Why did third-generation computers use ICs?
- ICs helped the computers be smaller and faster.
- Which generation of computers used more energy?
- First-generation computers used more energy.
- 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:
- First-generation computers were made in the _______.
- a) 2000s
- b) 1940s and 1950s
- c) 1980s
- d) 1960s
- First-generation computers were as large as a _______.
- a) room
- b) desk
- c) bed
- d) book
- First-generation computers used _______ tubes.
- a) light
- b) vacuum
- c) rubber
- d) glass
- First-generation computers were very _______.
- a) fast
- b) quiet
- c) slow
- d) colorful
- ENIAC was a famous first-generation _______.
- a) car
- b) train
- c) plane
- d) computer
- Third-generation computers were made in the _______.
- a) 1930s
- b) 1960s and 1970s
- c) 1990s
- d) 1980s
- Third-generation computers were _______ than first-generation computers.
- a) bigger
- b) heavier
- c) smaller
- d) slower
- Third-generation computers used _______ circuits.
- a) empty
- b) electric
- c) integrated
- d) disconnected
- Third-generation computers were much _______ than first-generation computers.
- a) slower
- b) noisier
- c) faster
- d) heavier
- IBM 360 was a famous third-generation _______.
- a) phone
- b) train
- c) computer
- d) bike
- Vacuum tubes were used in _______ generation computers.
- a) second
- b) third
- c) first
- d) fourth
- Integrated circuits helped third-generation computers be _______ and faster.
- a) older
- b) bigger
- c) noisier
- d) smaller
- First-generation computers used a lot of _______.
- a) light
- b) energy
- c) paper
- d) space
- Third-generation computers had smaller _______ parts.
- a) electronic
- b) glass
- c) paper
- d) plastic
- 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:
- What is a first-generation computer?
- What part did first-generation computers use?
- Were first-generation computers big or small?
- What are third-generation computers?
- What part do third-generation computers use?
- Were third-generation computers faster or slower than first-generation computers?
- What is one difference between first and third-generation computers?
- Give an example of a first-generation computer.
- Give an example of a third-generation computer.
- 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.