Development of Computers- Abacus to second generation

TOPIC: Generational Development of Computers (Part 1)
SUBTOPIC: From Abacus to Smartphones
CLASS: Basic 3
AGE: 7–8 years
DATE: ____________________
PERIOD: ____________________
DURATION: 40 minutes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. State the meaning of computer generation.
2. Mention the first three generations of computers.
3. Match the years to each generation of computers.

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS

• Generation
• Abacus
• Vacuum tube
• Transistor
• Microprocessor

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

• Charts showing different computers in history
• Laptop with internet
• Projector/TV

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

Meaning of Computer Generation
A generation of computers means the period when a certain type of computer technology was developed and used.

Stages of Computer Development (Part 1)

1. Abacus (3000 BC) – It is the first counting device. It was invented over 2,000 years ago. It has a rectangular frame with rods and beads that slide along the rods. Each bead represents a number.

Abacus

1. First Generation Computers (1940–1956) – It used vacuum tubes. They are very large in size, slow, and produced heat.
   Example: ENIAC.
2. Second Generation Computers (1956–1963) – It used transistors. They are smaller, faster, cheaper.
   Example: IBM 1401.

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY

Teacher shows pictures of old and new computers and asks pupils to guess which is older.

CLASS EXERCISE 1

Fill in the missing words:

1. The first counting device was the __________.
2. First generation computers used __________ tubes.
3. Second generation computers used __________.

CLASS EXERCISE 2

Match the year to the generation:

• 1940–1956 → __________
• 3000 BC → __________
• 1956–1963 → __________

ASSIGNMENT (Multiple-Choice Questions)

1. The first counting device is? A. Calculator B. Abacus C. Computer D. Abaya
2. First generation computers used? A. Transistors B. Vacuum tubes C. Chips D. Smartphones
3. IBM 1401 is from which generation? A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth
4. ENIAC is an example of? A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth
5. Which generation is smaller and faster than the first? A. First B. Second C. Fifth D. Fourth