Lesson Plan: Importance and Uses of Coding

Subject: Information Technology
Term: Second Term
Class: Primary 4
Week: 9
Topic: Importance of Coding and Uses of Coding
Sub-topic: Exploring the Benefits and Practical Applications of Coding
Duration: 40 minutes
Age: 8–9 years

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. State the importance of coding.
2. List at least five practical uses of coding.
3. Explain how coding impacts daily life.

Keywords

• Coding
• Importance
• Uses
• Applications
• Technology

Set Induction

The teacher will display pictures of popular apps, games, and websites (e.g., WhatsApp, Google, Candy Crush) and ask pupils how they think these were created. The teacher will explain that these are possible because of coding.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are aware of coding basics and its role in creating computer instructions from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with coding-related keywords
• Examples of coding projects (e.g., a simple animation or game)
• Charts showing coding applications in real life
• Videos showcasing coding projects (if available)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will remind pupils of the previous lesson where they learned about coding and why they should learn it. The teacher will connect this to today’s topic by explaining the broader importance and applications of coding in everyday life.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Digital Literacy
• Creativity
• Problem-Solving

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Primary 4 Computer Studies Textbook
• Introduction to Coding for Kids

Instructional Materials

• Projector or laptop (optional)
• Flashcards with coding uses and examples
• Whiteboard/Markers

Content

Importance of Coding

1. Problem-Solving Skills
   • Coding teaches pupils how to break down complex problems into smaller steps.
2. Creativity
   • It allows pupils to build their own games, websites, and animations.
3. Career Opportunities
   • Learning coding prepares pupils for careers in technology.
4. Understanding Technology
   • Coding helps pupils understand how computers and apps work.
5. Global Relevance
   • Coding is a universal skill that connects people worldwide.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration
   • Coding projects often involve working with others, improving teamwork.

Uses of Coding

1. Creating Apps and Websites
   • Coding is used to develop mobile apps like WhatsApp and websites like YouTube.
2. Building Video Games
   • Popular games like Minecraft and Fortnite are made with coding.
3. Designing Robots
   • Coding is used to program robots to perform tasks.
4. Automating Tasks
   • Coding helps create programs that automate repetitive tasks.
5. Powering Smart Devices
   • Coding runs devices like smartwatches, home assistants, and cars.
6. Animations and Movies
   • Animated movies and cartoons are created using coding software.
7. Healthcare Innovations
   • Coding is used to develop software for hospitals and health tracking devices.
8. Education Tools
   • Platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo are built using coding.

Evaluation

Part A: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Coding is the process of giving _____ to a computer.
   a. Instructions
   b. Gifts
   c. Money
   d. Shoes
2. Coding helps to improve _____.
   a. Problem-solving skills
   b. Laziness
   c. Noise-making
   d. Eating habits
3. Coding is important for creating _____.
   a. Apps and websites
   b. Chairs and tables
   c. Clothes and shoes
   d. Trees and flowers
4. Popular games like Minecraft were created with _____.
   a. Coding
   b. Writing
   c. Cooking
   d. Singing
5. Coding is a skill that is _____ around the world.
   a. Important
   b. Useless
   c. Expensive
   d. Funny
6. Robots are programmed to work using _____.
   a. Coding
   b. Jumping
   c. Drawing
   d. Sleeping
7. Coding can be used to make _____ for learning.
   a. Educational apps
   b. Shoes
   c. Balloons
   d. Hats
8. Smart devices like watches work because of _____.
   a. Coding
   b. Dancing
   c. Running
   d. Painting
9. Coding is used to create _____ movies.
   a. Animated
   b. Horror
   c. Funny
   d. Romantic
10. Programming languages like Python and Scratch are used in _____.
    a. Coding
    b. Singing
    c. Swimming
    d. Talking

Part B: Short-Answer Questions

1. What is coding?
2. List three reasons why coding is important.
3. Mention two examples of how coding is used in daily life.
4. Name one popular app made using coding.
5. How does coding improve problem-solving skills?
6. Mention one device that works using coding.
7. Why is coding called a global skill?
8. Give an example of a programming language.
9. How does coding help in making video games?
10. List two things coding can create.

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What is coding?
   • Coding is writing instructions for computers to follow.
2. Why is coding important?
   • It helps with problem-solving, creativity, and understanding technology.
3. Can children learn coding?
   • Yes, anyone can learn coding with practice.
4. What are coding languages?
   • They are tools used to write instructions for computers, such as Scratch and Python.
5. How does coding improve teamwork?
   • Many coding projects require people to work together to solve problems.
6. Can coding make games?
   • Yes, games like Minecraft and Fortnite are made using coding.
7. Why is coding called a universal skill?
   • It is used worldwide and connects people globally.
8. What devices use coding?
   • Devices like smartphones, robots, and smartwatches use coding.
9. What is one career that uses coding?
   • A software developer or game designer.
10. How does coding help in education?
    • It creates apps and tools that make learning easier.

Presentation Steps

1. Teacher’s Activities:
   • Revise the previous lesson on the basics of coding.
   • Explain the importance of coding and its uses.
   • Provide real-life examples of coding applications.
2. Learners’ Activities:
   • Participate in discussions.
   • Answer questions on coding uses.
   • Share ideas about why coding is important.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define coding.
2. List two uses of coding.
3. Mention two devices that work using coding.
4. Why is coding important?
5. Give one example of a coding language.
6. How does coding improve teamwork?
7. List one app created using coding.
8. Why is coding a global skill?
9. Mention two things you can create with coding.
10. Name one industry that uses coding.

Conclusion

The teacher will review pupils’ answers, mark their work, and provide feedback. Pupils will be encouraged to explore coding examples at home using free coding tools like Scratch.