Identifying and Understanding the Functions of the CPU Computer Studies Primary 2 First Term Lesson Notes 6

Detailed Lesson Plan

Subject: Computer Studies

Class: Primary 2

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Age: 7 years

Topic: Features of the CPU

Sub-topic: Identifying and Understanding the Functions of the CPU

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Identify the different features of the CPU.
2. Understand the functions of each feature of the CPU.
3. Physically identify the features of the CPU individually.

Key Words

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• Processor
• Core
• Heat sink
• Clock speed
• Memory

Set Induction

Ask the pupils: “Do you know what the ‘brain’ of a computer is called? Let’s learn about it!”

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have a basic understanding of what a computer is and its basic parts.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Diagram of a CPU
• Flashcards with names and images of CPU features
• Real CPU components (if available)
• Charts showing the functions of CPU features

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss the basic parts of a computer and their uses, covered in previous lessons.

Embedded Core Skills

• Observation
• Identification
• Explanation

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Computer Studies
• Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work, Computer Studies for Primary Schools

Instructional Materials

• Diagram of a CPU
• Flashcards
• Real CPU components

Content

Explanation of the Topic

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit):
   • Definition: The CPU is the brain of the computer. It processes instructions and performs calculations.
2. Features of the CPU:
   • Processor:
     • Function: Executes instructions from programs and applications.
     • Identification: Small, square chip with many tiny pins.
   • Core:
     • Function: The part of the CPU that reads and executes instructions. More cores can mean better performance.
     • Identification: Inside the processor, usually not visible, but can be understood as part of the processor.
   • Heat Sink:
     • Function: Keeps the CPU cool by dissipating heat.
     • Identification: Metal piece with fins, often attached to the top of the CPU.
   • Clock Speed:
     • Function: Measures how fast the CPU can process instructions. Measured in GHz (Gigahertz).
     • Identification: Usually written in the specifications of the CPU, not a physical part.
   • Memory (Cache):
     • Function: Stores frequently used data for quick access by the CPU.
     • Identification: Small part within the CPU, not visible, but can be understood as a feature of the CPU.

Questions

1. The CPU is also known as the _______ of the computer.
   • a) Heart
   • b) Brain
   • c) Leg
   • d) Hand
2. The _______ executes instructions from programs and applications.
   • a) Core
   • b) Processor
   • c) Heat Sink
   • d) Memory
3. The part of the CPU that keeps it cool is the _______.
   • a) Core
   • b) Processor
   • c) Heat Sink
   • d) Memory
4. The CPU’s speed is measured in _______.
   • a) Meters
   • b) Kilograms
   • c) Gigahertz
   • d) Liters
5. The part of the CPU that stores frequently used data is called _______.
   • a) Heat Sink
   • b) Memory (Cache)
   • c) Core
   • d) Processor
6. More cores in a CPU can mean better _______.
   • a) Performance
   • b) Heat
   • c) Size
   • d) Weight
7. The small, square chip with many tiny pins is called the _______.
   • a) Heat Sink
   • b) Processor
   • c) Memory
   • d) Core
8. The CPU processes instructions and performs _______.
   • a) Calculations
   • b) Dancing
   • c) Singing
   • d) Sleeping
9. The _______ is a metal piece with fins attached to the top of the CPU.
   • a) Processor
   • b) Memory
   • c) Heat Sink
   • d) Core
10. The part of the CPU inside the processor that reads instructions is the _______.
    • a) Core
    • b) Heat Sink
    • c) Memory
    • d) Clock Speed

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is the CPU?
   • The brain of the computer that processes instructions.
2. What does the processor do?
   • Executes instructions from programs and applications.
3. Why is the heat sink important?
   • Keeps the CPU cool by dissipating heat.
4. What is clock speed?
   • Measures how fast the CPU can process instructions.
5. What does the memory (cache) do?
   • Stores frequently used data for quick access.
6. How does more cores affect a CPU’s performance?
   • More cores can mean better performance.
7. How can we identify the processor?
   • It’s a small, square chip with many tiny pins.
8. What is the core inside the processor?
   • The part that reads and executes instructions.
9. Where can we find the heat sink?
   • Attached to the top of the CPU.
10. What kind of data does the memory (cache) store?
    • Frequently used data.

Presentation

Step 1

The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Types of Computers: Analogue, Digital, and Hybrid.”

Step 2

The teacher introduces the new topic, “Features of the CPU and Their Functions.”

Step 3

The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and corrects them when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Ask questions about what the pupils know about the CPU.
• Show diagrams and real CPU components.
• Explain the functions of each feature of the CPU.
• Correct pupils’ answers and provide further explanations.

Learners Activities

• Answer questions from the teacher.
• Identify CPU features from diagrams and real components.
• Discuss their own understanding of the CPU.
• Recognize examples of CPU features and their functions.

Assessment

• Observe pupils identifying CPU features.
• Ask pupils to explain the functions of each feature.
• Watch pupils physically identify the features of the CPU individually.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is the CPU also known as?
2. What does the processor do?
3. How does the heat sink help the CPU?
4. What is the function of clock speed?
5. What does the memory (cache) store?
6. How does the number of cores affect the CPU?
7. How can you identify the processor?
8. What does the core inside the processor do?
9. Where is the heat sink located?
10. Why is the memory (cache) important?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark and does the necessary corrections on the topic.

More Useful Links

• Types of Computers Computer Studies Primary 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3
• Analogue, Digital, and Hybrid Computers Computer Studies Primary 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Features of the CPU and Its Functions Computer Studies Primary 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5