Foundation of Computer Studies

Evolution and Development of Computers - Influence of early computing devices on the evolution of electronic computers

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

- Explain the influence of early computing devices on the evolution of electronic computers
- Match early computing devices to their primary functions
- Relate the invention of early devices like the abacus and Pascaline to modern calculators and computers used today

- Use print or digital resources to search for information on ancient computing devices (abacus, Napier's bone, Pascaline, slide rule, difference engine, analytic engine, Jacquard loom)
- Discuss the functions of each early computing device
- Brainstorm on how early devices influenced the evolution of electronic computers

How did early computing devices such as the abacus and Pascaline influence the development of modern electronic computers?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 1
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts and posters

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written assignments

Foundation of Computer Studies

Evolution and Development of Computers - Principal technologies that defined the development of computers
Evolution and Development of Computers - Generations of computers
Evolution and Development of Computers - Technological advancement in development of computers
Computer Organisation and Architecture - Functional organisation and architecture of a computer
Computer Organisation and Architecture - Relationships among the functional elements of a computer
Computer Organisation and Architecture - The fetch-execute cycle

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

- Describe the principal technologies that defined the development of computers
- Categorise principal technologies according to their features
- Connect the shift from vacuum tubes to transistors to the smaller, faster devices we use daily such as smartphones and laptops

- Describe the functional organisation and architecture of a computer (Von Neumann architecture)
- Identify the components of the Von Neumann computer structure
- Relate the Von Neumann architecture to how everyday devices like smartphones and washing machines process instructions

- Use print or digital resources to search for information on the principal technologies (vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, large scale IC, very large scale IC)
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technology
- Present findings in class

- Search for information on the functional organisation and architecture of a computer (input, processing, output, storage, buses, instruction sets)
- Watch a video on the functional elements of the Von Neumann computer
- Brainstorm the differences between RISC and CISC architectures

What role did principal technologies such as vacuum tubes and transistors play in shaping the size and speed of today's computers?
What are the main components of the Von Neumann architecture and how do they work together to process data?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 5
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts showing principal technologies
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 7
- Video resources
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 10
- Charts and posters
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 12
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts showing Von Neumann architecture
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 19
- Video resources
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 21

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written tests
- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Checklists

Foundation of Computer Studies

Computer Organisation and Architecture - Modelling a computer architecture
Computer Organisation and Architecture - Importance of computer architecture in computing

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

- Create a model of computer architecture depicting the structural elements of a computer
- Use locally available materials to build a physical model
- Recognise how building a model mirrors the way real engineers design and assemble computer systems in factories

- Use locally available materials (cardboard, coloured paper, string, beads) to model a computer architecture with all structural elements
- Label components: input, CPU (ALU, CU, registers), memory, output and buses
- Demonstrate data flow using beads along string buses

How can locally available materials be used to represent the structural elements and data flow in a Von Neumann computer?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 24
- Cardboard, coloured paper, string, beads, scissors, glue
- Markers and labels
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 26
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts and posters

- Rubrics - Observation schedules - Projects

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Types of input devices used in computer systems

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

- Describe the types of input devices used in computer systems
- Classify input devices according to their functions
- Identify input devices encountered daily such as keyboards on phones, touchscreens on ATMs and barcode scanners at supermarkets

- Discuss types of input devices (keying devices, pointing devices, scanning devices, voice input devices, touch screens, digitizers, digital cameras, QR code readers, sensors, drones, smart traffic lights)
- Visit a computer laboratory and identify various input devices
- Draw and label input devices

What are the different types of input devices and how do they enable users to enter data into a computer?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 29
- Digital resources
- Computer laboratory
- Charts and posters

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Checklists

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Types of output devices used in computer systems

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

- Describe the types of output devices used in computer systems
- Classify output devices based on the type of output they produce
- Relate output devices to everyday encounters such as printed receipts at shops, announcements on speakers and traffic messages on roadside LED panels

- Use print or digital resources to search for information on output devices (printers, monitors, speakers, LED panels, projectors, plotters, actuator roadside LED panels, variable message signs, digital signage)
- Visit a computer user environment and identify output devices
- Discuss the uses of each output device

How do output devices convert processed data into forms that humans can understand such as text, images and sound?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 33
- Digital resources
- Computer laboratory
- Charts and posters

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written assignments

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Methods of inputting and outputting information
Input and Output Devices - Applications of input and output devices in different areas
Input and Output Devices - Criteria for selecting input and output devices

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

- Discuss methods used to input data and output information from a computer
- Demonstrate how data is entered using different input devices
- Connect input methods to real-life actions such as typing a message on a phone, speaking to a voice assistant or scanning a ticket at the cinema

- Examine the criteria for selecting input and output devices
- Develop a criterion for purchasing input and output devices
- Apply selection factors to real purchasing decisions such as choosing between an inkjet and laser printer for a school office

- Discuss methods of data input (keyboard input, pointing devices, touch input, voice input, scanners, biometric input, motion sensors)
- Discuss methods of information output (visual, hard copy, audio, tactile, electronic/digital)
- Watch a video on how traffic and surveillance cameras record and monitor traffic flow

- Brainstorm factors to be considered when acquiring input and output devices (purpose, speed, compatibility, comfort, cost, durability, resolution, power consumption, portability)
- Read and discuss real-life purchasing scenarios
- Present criteria in class and get feedback

What methods are used to enter data into and retrieve information from a computer system?
What factors should be considered when purchasing input and output devices for a school computer laboratory?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 36
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Video resources
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 40

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 43
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Reference materials

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written tests
- Oral questions - Rubrics - Written assignments

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Using input and output devices to perform tasks
Input and Output Devices - Advantages and disadvantages of QR codes and traditional barcodes

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

- Use input and output devices to perform various tasks
- Create a QR code and share information such as road safety warnings
- Relate QR code creation to how businesses use them for payments, menus and product information

- Type a paragraph using a keyboard, scan a document using a scanner or smartphone
- Use an online QR code generator to create a QR code with road safety information
- Share the QR code digitally or as a printed poster

How can input and output devices be used to create and share digital content such as QR codes for road safety awareness?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 45
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Online QR code generator
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 47
- Reference materials

- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Projects

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Technological advancement and reusing input and output devices

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

- Recognise the technological advancement of input and output devices
- Discuss how to reuse and recycle old input and output devices
- Link the advancement of sensors and cameras to real-life traffic management systems and smart city initiatives in Kenya

- Visit a computer user environment and identify advanced input/output devices (traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, speed sensors, smart traffic lights)
- Discuss how the devices work to enhance safety
- Create posters on how to reuse and recycle input and output devices
- Sensitise community members on reusing devices

How have input and output devices advanced technologically and how can old devices be reused responsibly?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 48
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts and posters

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Portfolios

Foundation of Computer Studies

Input and Output Devices - Field visit to a computer user environment
Computer Storage - Types of storage used in computer systems

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

- Identify input and output devices in a computer user environment
- Match input and output devices to their uses
- Observe how devices like traffic cameras, speed sensors and weather sensors function at road intersections or institutions

- Visit a computer user environment and identify input/output devices (traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, speed sensors, weather sensors, smart traffic lights)
- Match input and output devices to their uses
- Consult a resource person on how input and output devices enhance road safety

How are input and output devices used in real-world environments such as traffic monitoring centres to enhance public safety?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 48
- Computer user environment
- Human resources (resource person)
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 49
- Digital resources
- Computer laboratory
- Storage devices (RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, USB)

- Observation schedules - Checklists - Anecdotal records

Foundation of Computer Studies

Computer Storage - Types of RAM and ROM technology
Computer Storage - Internal and external secondary storage

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

- Discuss the types of RAM technology (DRAM and SRAM) and characteristics of ROM
- Differentiate between DRAM and SRAM
- Link RAM and ROM to real devices such as how a phone's RAM lets you switch between apps quickly and ROM stores the firmware that boots a microwave oven

- Classify secondary storage into internal and external categories
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of secondary storage
- Relate secondary storage to daily use such as saving photos on a phone's SSD, carrying files on a USB flash drive or backing up documents on Google Drive

- Use print or digital media to search for types of primary memory (RAM and ROM)
- Discuss the types of RAM technology (DRAM and SRAM) and differentiate between them
- Watch a video on features of ROM chip technology
- Consult a resource person to discuss how ROM and RAM chips are used in devices (microwaves, refrigerators, remote-controlled toys, aeroplanes)

- Discuss and classify secondary storage into internal (HDD, SSD) and external (DVD/CD, Blu-ray disc, USB memory stick, removable hard drive)
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type
- Brainstorm the meaning of remote storage and give examples (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud)

What are the differences between DRAM and SRAM, and how are RAM and ROM chips used in household devices?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of internal, external and remote storage for storing personal and school data?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 53
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Video resources

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 58
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Storage devices

- Oral questions - Written tests - Rating scales
- Oral questions - Written assignments - Rubrics

Foundation of Computer Studies

Computer Storage - Reading data from and writing data to computer storage
Computer Storage - Criteria for selecting storage and safety of data

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

- Read data from computer storage devices
- Write data to computer storage devices and transfer data using USB drives
- Perform storage tasks done in daily life such as saving a document to a flash drive, retrieving a photo from Google Drive or copying music from a laptop to a phone

- Save data on computer storage devices (SSD, HDD)
- Transfer data using USB flash drives between computers
- Retrieve data from remote storage (Google Drive)
- Store and retrieve data from optical discs (CD, DVD)

How do you save, transfer and retrieve data from different computer storage devices and remote storage platforms?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 63
- Digital resources
- Computer laboratory
- USB flash drives, optical discs
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 68
- Internet access
- Reference materials

- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Practical assessment

Foundation of Computer Studies

Central Processing Unit - Structural elements of the CPU and their functions

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

- Describe the structural elements of the CPU (ALU, control unit, registers, buses, cache)
- Relate structural elements of the CPU to their functions
- Compare the CPU to the human brain where the control unit acts like decision-making, the ALU performs calculations like mental arithmetic and registers hold short-term memory

- Brainstorm the structural elements of the CPU
- Watch a video simulation of the structural elements of the CPU
- Discuss the functions of the structural elements (ALU, control unit, registers, buses, cache)
- Draw a diagram to show the fetch-decode-execute cycle and the interaction between CPU, registers and memory

What are the structural elements of the CPU and how do they work together to process data and instructions?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 74
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Video resources
- Charts showing CPU structure

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Checklists

Foundation of Computer Studies

Central Processing Unit - Types of CPUs according to instruction set (RISC vs CISC)
Central Processing Unit - Types of CPUs according to word length (16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit)

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

- Compare types of CPU based on instruction set (RISC vs CISC)
- Distinguish between RISC and CISC architectures
- Identify where RISC and CISC processors are used in real life such as ARM (RISC) in smartphones and Intel (CISC) in desktop computers

- Compare types of CPU according to instruction set (RISC vs CISC)
- Discuss the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of RISC and CISC architectures
- Complete a comparison table on RISC vs CISC

What are the key differences between RISC and CISC processor architectures and where is each type commonly used?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 78
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts comparing RISC and CISC
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 79
- Charts comparing CPU word lengths

- Oral questions - Written tests - Rating scales

Foundation of Computer Studies

Central Processing Unit - Types of CPUs according to core design
Operating System - Functions of an operating system
Operating System - Classifying operating systems by tasks, users and user interface

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

- Classify CPUs by core design (single-core, dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, octa-core, deca-core)
- Discuss factors to consider when selecting a CPU
- Connect core count to real-world performance such as how an octa-core processor in a gaming phone runs heavy games smoothly while a single-core processor struggles with basic multitasking

- Describe the functions of an operating system in a computer
- Identify examples of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
- Relate OS functions to everyday experiences such as how Android manages apps on a phone, allocates memory and displays the home screen interface

- Study pictures of CPUs with different core counts and identify them
- Discuss the features and applications of each core type
- Discuss factors to consider when selecting a CPU (performance, purpose, compatibility, power, cache, budget)
- Read and discuss real-life scenarios for CPU selection

- Brainstorm the meaning of the term operating system and give examples
- Use print or digital media to search for the functions of the operating system
- Discuss OS functions (booting, resource management, user interface, memory management, I/O management, file management, process management, user management)

How does the number of cores in a CPU affect its ability to multitask and handle demanding applications like gaming or video editing?
What are the main functions of an operating system and how do they enable a computer to work efficiently?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 81
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts and posters
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 87
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts and posters
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 91

- Oral questions - Written tests - Questionnaires
- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written assignments

Foundation of Computer Studies

Operating System - Factors to consider when choosing an operating system

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

- Discuss the factors to consider when choosing an operating system
- Select the appropriate operating system for a given situation
- Apply selection factors to real decisions such as choosing Android for a phone, Windows for an office or Linux for a school server

- Discuss factors to consider when choosing an operating system (user interface, compatibility, performance, security, cost, support, scalability, stability, market share, number of users, number of tasks)
- Read scenarios and select appropriate operating systems for different situations
- Present summaries in class

What factors should a school consider when selecting an operating system for its computer laboratory?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 95
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Reference materials

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Rubrics

Foundation of Computer Studies

Operating System - Installing a Windows operating system
Operating System - Installing Ubuntu Linux operating system

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

- Describe the procedure for installing a Windows operating system
- Create Windows installation media using a USB drive
- Relate the installation process to real-life tasks such as setting up a new laptop purchased from a shop or restoring a school computer after a system crash

- Discuss the procedure to be followed when installing an operating system
- Watch a video on how to install Windows OS
- Create Windows installation media on a USB drive
- Follow step-by-step installation procedures: booting, partitioning, product key entry, edition selection

How is a Windows operating system installed on a new or existing computer using a USB installation media?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 97
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- USB flash drive (8GB+)
- Computer with internet access
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 101
- Computer

- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Checklists

Foundation of Computer Studies

Operating System - Using an operating system to manipulate files and folders on Windows

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

- Use Windows operating system to manipulate files and folders (create, rename, delete, restore, copy, move, backup)
- Perform file operations using File Explorer
- Apply file management skills to everyday tasks such as organising school assignments into folders, backing up photos to OneDrive or restoring accidentally deleted homework from the Recycle Bin

- Open File Explorer and navigate to desired locations
- Create files and folders, rename them, delete and restore from Recycle Bin
- Copy, move and backup files to external drives or cloud storage (OneDrive)
- Create compressed (zipped) folders for backup

How are files and folders created, renamed, copied, moved, deleted and restored using the Windows operating system?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 105
- Digital resources
- Computers with Windows OS
- USB flash drives

- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Practical assessment

Foundation of Computer Studies

Operating System - Using an operating system to manipulate files and folders on Ubuntu Linux
Operating System - How the OS handles errors, manages devices and allocates tasks
Operating System - Importance of operating systems in computing

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

- Use Ubuntu Linux operating system to manipulate files and folders using GUI and Terminal
- Execute basic Linux terminal commands for file management
- Recognise that learning terminal commands is a practical skill used by IT professionals in managing servers and networks in real workplaces

- Demonstrate the use of the OS in error handling, managing input/output and storage devices
- Use Task Manager and Disk Management tools to monitor and manage system resources
- Relate OS error handling to real situations such as the error message that appears when trying to eject a USB drive that is still in use or when a printer runs out of paper

- Use Nautilus File Manager (GUI) to create, rename, delete, restore, copy, move and compress files and folders
- Use Terminal commands (mkdir, touch, mv, rm, cp) to perform file operations
- Compare GUI and Terminal methods of file management

- Watch a video on how OS handles errors and interrupts, manages devices and allocates tasks
- Demonstrate error handling on Windows (attempting protected file operations, resolving with admin rights)
- Use Device Manager to manage I/O devices and Task Manager to monitor performance
- Partition a drive using Disk Management and perform a backup

How are files and folders managed on Ubuntu Linux using both the graphical file manager and the terminal?
How does the operating system handle errors, manage connected devices and monitor system performance?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 107
- Digital resources
- Computers with Ubuntu Linux
- Internet access
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 109
- Digital resources
- Computers with Windows/Linux OS
- Internet access
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 112
- Reference materials

- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Practical assessment
- Observation schedules - Rubrics - Written tests

Foundation of Computer Studies

Computer Setup - Types of ports and cables used in computers

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

- Explain the types of ports and cables used in computers
- Identify and describe the features of each cable and port type
- Recognise cables and ports encountered daily such as USB-C for phone charging, HDMI for connecting a laptop to a TV and Ethernet for wired internet at school

- Use digital or print resources to search for information on different cables and ports used in computer systems
- Discuss types of cables (parallel, serial, USB, FireWire, HDMI, VGA, audio, Ethernet) and ports (USB-A/B/C, HDMI, VGA, DVI, audio, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, serial, parallel)
- Draw and label cables and ports

What are the different types of cables and ports used in computers and what is the function of each?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 113
- Digital resources
- Internet access
- Charts showing cables and ports

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Written assignments

Foundation of Computer Studies

Computer Setup - Relating cables to their corresponding ports
Computer Setup - Setting up a computer for use
Computer Setup - Safety precautions and reusing computer parts

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

- Relate cables to their corresponding ports in a computer
- Match ports to their corresponding cables correctly
- Apply cable-port matching to real tasks such as plugging an HDMI cable into a projector for a class presentation or connecting an Ethernet cable for internet access

- Discuss the relationship between cable heads and ports
- Take turns to match ports to their corresponding cables
- Complete a table matching each cable type to its corresponding port
- Discuss factors considered when determining the correct port for a given cable

How do you identify and match the correct cable to its corresponding port on a computer?

- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 117
- Digital resources
- Cables and ports (physical samples)
- Charts
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 119
- Cables, system unit, mouse, keyboard, monitor
- Screwdriver, pliers, crimpers
- Champion Computer Studies Grade 10 Learner's Book pg. 121
- Charts and posters
- PPE (gloves, goggles)

- Oral questions - Observation schedules - Checklists