What is a Computer? – Primary 1 Information Technology Lesson

️ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (BST) – WEEK 1 LESSON NOTE

Topic: What is a Computer?

Lesson Overview

Subject:	Information Technology (BST)
Class:	Primary 1
Term:	First Term
Week:	1
Age:	5 – 6 years
Duration:	40 minutes
Sub-topic:	Meaning, Parts, and Uses of a Computer

Behavioural Objectives

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

Define what a computer is.
Identify the three main parts of a computer.
Mention at least four uses of a computer.
Recognize computer devices by sight.
Differentiate between a computer and other electronic devices.

Keywords and Meanings

Keyword	Meaning (Child-Friendly)
Computer	A machine that helps us do work faster.
Data	Information we put into the computer.
Information	The result or answer the computer gives.
Keyboard	The part we use to type.
Monitor	The part we use to see pictures or words.
Mouse	The part we move to click on things.
CPU	The brain of the computer.
Electronic	Something that uses electricity.
Input	Things we put into the computer.
Output	Things the computer gives back to us.

Set Induction (Story to Capture Attention)

The teacher begins by saying:
“Children, imagine you have a friend who never forgets your homework, helps you count faster than your calculator, and even plays songs for you. Would you like that kind of friend?”
(Pupils shout: Yes!)
“That’s what a computer does. It’s a smart machine that helps people work, learn, and play easily.”

The teacher then shows a real computer or picture and asks,

“Who has seen this before? What do you think it does?”

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are familiar with devices like televisions, phones, and radios. They can recognize that these devices need electricity to work.

Learning Resources and Materials

Real or toy computer set (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse).
Flashcards showing different types of computers.
Picture charts of gadgets.
A short video or slideshow of computer uses.

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds pupils that they’ve seen machines at home like televisions and radios that help people do work.
Then connects: “A computer is also a machine, but it can do many things faster than us.”

Embedded Core Skills

Communication skills – responding to teacher’s questions.
Critical thinking – identifying differences between computers and other machines.
Digital literacy – recognizing computer parts.
Collaboration – group discussions.
Observation – identifying items from visuals.

Learning Materials

Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work (Basic Science & Technology)
Oxford Primary Science Textbook
Computer Studies for Basic Schools (Macmillan)

Instructional Materials

Laptop or desktop computer (if available)
Charts or flashcards showing: monitor, mouse, keyboard, CPU
Whiteboard and marker

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Meaning of a Computer

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data (information), processes it, and gives out results.
It helps us to do our work faster and easier.
It can show pictures, videos, sounds, and games.
It can be used for learning, counting, writing, and communication.

Parts of a Computer

Monitor: The screen where we see what we are doing.
Keyboard: Used to type letters and numbers.
Mouse: Helps us to move and click on things.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer.
Speaker: Used to hear sounds from the computer.

Examples of Computers

Laptop
Desktop
Tablet
ATM machine
Smartphone
Smart TV
Cash register
Game console
POS machine
Calculator

Uses of Computers

To learn in school.
To play games.
To write and draw.
To count and calculate.
To send messages.
To watch videos and movies.
To type letters.
To do research.
To store information.
To print documents.

CLASS ACTIVITY DISCUSSION (FAQs)

Question	Answer
1. What is a computer?	A machine that helps us work faster.
2. Can a computer think like humans?	No, it only follows instructions.
3. What part shows pictures?	The monitor.
4. What part do we type with?	The keyboard.
5. What part moves the arrow?	The mouse.
6. What is the brain of the computer?	The CPU.
7. Can computers play music?	Yes.
8. Where can we find computers?	In homes, schools, banks, and offices.
9. Who uses computers?	Teachers, doctors, bankers, and students.
10. Is a phone a computer?	Yes, it is a small computer.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

A. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

Choose the correct answer (a, b, or c).

A computer is an __________ machine.
(a) electronic (b) manual (c) wooden
Computers can __________ information.
(a) sing (b) process (c) jump
The brain of the computer is called the __________.
(a) monitor (b) CPU (c) keyboard
The part we use to type letters is called the __________.
(a) keyboard (b) mouse (c) CPU
We can watch pictures on the __________.
(a) monitor (b) mouse (c) speaker
A computer helps people to __________.
(a) play (b) work faster (c) sleep
The part used for sound is the __________.
(a) speaker (b) mouse (c) CPU
We can draw pictures using a __________.
(a) keyboard (b) computer (c) bag
Computers are used in __________.
(a) only schools (b) homes, offices, and schools (c) markets only
A smartphone is a type of __________.
(a) toy (b) computer (c) car