Subject: Computer Science (Information Technology) | Class: Primary 1 (Basic 1) | Term: 3rd Term | Weeks: 6 & 8
Previous Lesson: Steps of Booting — Weeks 4–5
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify desktop features (Start menu, Taskbar, Desktop background, Icons).
- Differentiate between desktop features.
Key Vocabulary
Desktop, Start menu, Taskbar, Background, Icons.
Introductory Activity
Teacher asks: “After the computer finishes booting, what do you see on the screen?” (Pictures, icons). Teacher: “That screen is called the DESKTOP. Today we will learn its parts.”
Lesson 1 — What is a Desktop?
The desktop is the main screen you see after the computer finishes booting. It is like your workspace or table.
Lesson 2 — Features of the Desktop
| Feature | What it is | Where to find it | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icons | Small pictures on the desktop | On the main screen area | Each icon opens a program or file. E.g. Recycle Bin 🗑️ |
| Desktop Background | The picture or colour behind the icons | Covers the whole desktop screen | Makes the computer look beautiful. |
| Taskbar | The long bar at the bottom of the screen | Bottom of the screen | Shows which programs are open. Contains the Start button. |
| Start Menu | A list that appears when you click the Start button | Bottom left corner of Taskbar | Lets you open programs, find files, or shut down. |
Lesson 3 — How to Tell the Features Apart
| Feature | How to Recognise It |
|---|---|
| Icon | Small picture. You can double-click it. |
| Background | The big picture behind everything. You cannot click it. |
| Taskbar | Long bar at the bottom. It has the Start button. |
| Start Menu | Pops up when you click Start. It has a list of programs. |
Simple Memory Trick
- Icons = small pictures standing on the desktop.
- Background = the wallpaper behind them.
- Taskbar = the shelf at the bottom.
- Start Menu = the door that opens when you click Start.
Class Exercise — Matching
Match the feature to its description:
- Icon → Small picture you click
- Taskbar → Long bar at bottom
- Background → The picture behind icons
Assignment (Multiple-Choice Questions)
- After booting, the main screen is called the _____. a) keyboard b) desktop c) mouse
- The long bar at the bottom of the screen is the _____. a) Start menu b) icon c) taskbar
- Small pictures you click to open programs are called _____. a) icons b) backgrounds c) taskbars
- The Start button is located on the _____. a) desktop background b) taskbar c) icon
- The picture behind the icons is called _____. a) desktop background b) start menu c) taskbar
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b, 5-a
Next Lesson: Personalizing My Computer — Weeks 9–10