Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Meaning and importance of data

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define data and information in electronic devices
- Explain the importance of data in electronic devices
- Appreciate the value of data in electronic devices

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Brainstorm on the meaning of data and information in electronic devices
- Use digital devices or print media to find out the importance of data
- Outline main points in notebooks
- Share points with classmates

What is data and why is it important in electronic devices?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 10
- Digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones)
- Internet access
- Reference books

- Observation - Oral questions - Written notes

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Threats to data: Viruses

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify viruses as threats to data
- Explain how viruses harm data in devices
- Show concern for data protection

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study messages displayed on digital devices showing threats
- Identify the threats displayed on the devices
- Discuss how viruses can harm data in devices
- Use available resources to search for threats to data in electronic devices

What are viruses and how do they threaten our data?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 11
- Digital devices showing virus warnings
- Pictures of virus alerts
- Internet access

- Observation - Oral questions - Group discussions

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Threats to data: Unauthorized access
Data Safety - Ways of protecting data
Data Safety - Protecting data using passwords

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain unauthorized access as a threat to data
- Describe how unauthorized access can harm data
- Value the importance of data security
- Explain how passwords protect data
- Create strong passwords for data protection
- Practice using passwords to secure data

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss unauthorized access and its effects on data
- Search for information on data threats using digital or print resources
- Note down findings and present them in class
- Share findings with other groups
- Study how Nekesa protected her data using passwords
- Discuss how to create and use passwords
- Share experiences of using passwords to protect data
- Discuss other methods of protecting data apart from passwords

How does unauthorized access threaten our data?
Why are passwords important in protecting our data?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 12
- Digital devices
- Internet resources
- Case studies on data breaches
- Charts showing data protection methods
- Pictures of data protection techniques
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 13
- Digital devices
- Password-protected files
- Internet resources on password creation

- Observation - Oral presentations - Written assignments
- Observation - Practical work - Oral questions - Self-assessment

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Securing data with passwords on documents

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Secure a document using a password
- Follow steps to encrypt documents with passwords
- Show confidence in securing data

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Create a new document or open an existing document
- Click "File" then "Info"
- Click "Protect document" and select "Encrypt with password"
- Insert password and confirm it
- Close document and test password protection

How do we secure documents with passwords on a computer?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 14
- Computers with word processing software
- Documents to be protected
- Step-by-step guides

- Practical work - Observation - Peer assessment

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Understanding antivirus software

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the role of antivirus software
- Identify types of antivirus programs
- Appreciate the importance of antivirus protection

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss what antivirus software is and its functions
- Learn about different types of antivirus programs
- Understand how antivirus protects electronic devices from viruses and online threats
- Discuss how antivirus interrupts threats

What is antivirus software and how does it protect our devices?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 15
- Digital devices with antivirus software
- Internet access
- Antivirus program interfaces

- Observation - Oral questions - Written tests

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Installing and scanning devices using antivirus
Data Safety - Securing school electronic devices
Data Safety - Importance of data safety in daily life

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Install antivirus on a device
- Scan electronic devices for viruses
- Interpret scan reports and remove threats
- Explain the importance of data safety in daily life
- Identify instances where data needs to be secured
- Value the need for data safety

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Install antivirus of choice on devices
- Open security app and select "Full Scan" or "Quick Scan"
- Look at scan report to see if any viruses or threats were found
- Remove any threats or viruses found in the electronic device
- Brainstorm on the importance of data safety in day-to-day lives
- Discuss instances where there is need to secure data
- Write summary notes and present them in class

How do we scan electronic devices for viruses?
When do we need to secure our data in daily life?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 15
- Digital devices (phones, tablets, computers)
- Antivirus software
- Internet connection
- School electronic devices
- Password protection tools
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 16
- Digital devices
- Case studies on data safety
- Real-life examples

- Practical work - Observation - Assessment of scan reports
- Observation - Oral presentations - Written summaries

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Debate on data safety importance

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Argue for or against the importance of data safety
- Apply critical thinking in discussing data safety issues
- Acknowledge the need for data safety in electronic device interaction

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Participate in Computer Club debate on: "Data safety is important in our interaction with electronic devices today"
- Present arguments supported by evidence
- Listen to opposing views and respond appropriately
- Draw conclusions on data safety importance

Is data safety essential in our digital interactions?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 16
- Debate guidelines
- Case studies
- Digital devices
- Reference materials

- Debate participation - Observation - Oral presentations - Peer assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Meaning of visual programming

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define visual programming
- Explain visual programming applications
- Show interest in learning visual programming

- Study picture of learner using visual programming application
- Brainstorm on meaning of visual programming
- Discuss visual programming applications
- Share findings with other groups

What is visual programming and how is it used?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 51
- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Visual programming software
- Projector

- Observation - Oral questions - Group discussions

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Types of visual programming applications
Visual Programming - Examples of visual programming applications
Visual Programming - Features of visual programming applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify educational applications
- Describe multimedia applications
- Recognize video game applications
- Identify input features
- Recognize processing features
- Describe output and effects features

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Search for information on educational applications
- Research multimedia applications
- Explore video game applications
- Brainstorm on examples of visual programming applications
- Launch Scratch application with teacher guidance
- Identify features under input category
- Explore processing features
- Study output and effects (sound, animations, background)

What types of applications can be created using visual programming?
What are the main features of visual programming applications?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 52
- Digital devices
- Internet connection
- Textbooks
- Application examples
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 53
- Computers/tablets
- Internet access
- Application icons
- Digital resources
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 55
- Computers with Scratch
- Internet access
- Projector
- Reference materials

- Written tests - Oral presentations - Observation
- Practical work - Observation - Peer review

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Input feature in visual programming

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use the Ask command from sensing blocks
- Enter information from keyboard
- Create meaningful input questions

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Open Scratch application
- Use Ask command from sensing blocks
- Type questions for input
- Practice modifying input questions
- Test different input types (numbers, letters, words)

How do we get information from users in a program?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 56
- Computers/tablets
- Scratch software
- Internet access
- Practice worksheets

- Practical work - Observation - Peer assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Terminologies in visual programming (Part 1)

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define syntax in programming
- Explain variables
- Describe input and output statements

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Search for meanings of syntax, variables, input statements, output statements
- Discuss definitions with peers
- Write meanings in notebooks
- Share findings for peer review

What are the basic terms used in visual programming?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 57
- Digital devices
- Reference books
- Internet access
- Glossary worksheets

- Written tests - Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Terminologies in visual programming (Part 2)
Visual Programming - Creating sequential instructions (Part 1)
Visual Programming - Creating sequential instructions (Part 2)

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain coding and coding blocks
- Define sequence statements
- Describe repeating statements
- Understand selection statements and variable declarations
- Use Control blocks (Forever)
- Apply Motion blocks (move steps, bounce)
- Add Sound blocks
- Create simple animation sequence

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Research meanings of coding, coding blocks, sequence statements
- Study repeating statements (forever, repeat until, repeat 10)
- Learn about selection statements and variable declarations
- Complete terminology table in notebooks
- Select and drag Forever block from Control
- Add move 10 steps from Motion
- Insert Play sound meow from Sound
- Add If on edge, bounce block
- Set rotation style to left-right
- Test program by clicking green flag

How do we give instructions to computers using visual programming?
How do we make characters move and make sounds?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 58
- Digital devices
- Scratch application
- Reference materials
- Practice examples
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 59
- Computers/tablets
- Internet access
- Scratch online platform
- Projector for demonstration
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 60
- Computers with Scratch
- Internet access
- Step-by-step guide
- Sample projects

- Written assignments - Oral questions - Peer review
- Practical work - Program functionality - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Animation project setup

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify backdrop and sprites icons
- Import backdrops
- Add sprites to projects
- Position sprites appropriately

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Open new Scratch project
- Identify backdrop icon and sprites icon
- Import brick wall backdrop (Wall 1)
- Select and add bat sprite
- Position bat sprite above ground

How do we set up the environment for animations?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 61
- Computers/tablets
- Scratch software
- Internet connection
- Visual examples

- Practical work - Observation - Project setup

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Creating flying bat animation (Part 1)

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use Forever loop for continuous motion
- Apply motion blocks to sprite
- Add costume changes for animation effect

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Click Events and add When flag clicked
- Add Forever block from Control
- Insert move 10 steps inside Forever
- Add next costume from Looks
- Insert wait 1 sec from Control

How do we create continuous movement in animations?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 62
- Computers with Scratch
- Bat sprite
- Instruction guide
- Sample animations

- Practical work - Animation quality - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Creating flying bat animation (Part 2)
Visual Programming - Creating own animation project
Visual Programming - Importance of visual programming

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Complete flying bat animation
- Test and debug animation
- Modify animation parameters
- Explain importance of visual programming in daily life
- Identify careers using visual programming
- Value visual programming skills

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Add If on edge, bounce from Motion
- Arrange all blocks in correct sequence
- Click green flag to test animation
- Observe bat flying and flapping wings
- Modify speed and wait time if needed
- Discuss importance of visual programming
- Research careers using visual programming
- Share examples of visual programming applications in community
- Present findings in class
- Reflect on learning experience

How do we test and improve our animations?
Why is visual programming important in today's world?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 63
- Computers/tablets
- Completed Scratch project
- Testing checklist
- Peer review forms
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 64
- Scratch software
- Planning templates
- Project rubric
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 64
- Digital devices
- Career resources
- Internet access
- Presentation tools

- Practical work - Program functionality - Peer assessment
- Oral presentations - Written reports - Self-reflection

Materials for Production

Composite Materials - Identifying composite materials in the locality
Composite Materials - Composition of composite materials
Composite Materials - Constituent materials of composites

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify composite materials in the locality
- Name items made from composite materials
- Show interest in learning about composite materials

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study pictures showing composite materials
- Identify materials shown in the pictures
- Discuss which materials are found in their locality
- Identify constituent materials of composites

What are composite materials and where can we find them?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 63
- Pictures of composite materials
- Realia (concrete, bricks, manufactured boards)
- Digital devices
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 64
- Internet access
- Charts showing composite compositions
- Sample composite materials
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 65
- Print resources
- Internet link provided
- Reference books

- Observation - Oral questions - Group discussions

Materials for Production

Composite Materials - Matching composite materials to their uses
Composite Materials - Uses in work environment

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Match composite materials to their uses
- Identify uses of composite materials in work environment
- Appreciate the importance of composite materials

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Match composite materials to their uses in notebooks
- Discuss uses of manufactured boards for furniture
- Study uses of plastic-coated paper for packaging
- Identify uses of concrete in construction
- Share work with classmates

How are composite materials used in different workplaces?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 67
- Charts showing composite uses
- Pictures of furniture and buildings
- Real composite items
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 68
- Pictures of work environments
- Charts showing sector applications
- Digital devices
- Video clips

- Practical work - Oral questions - Peer assessment

Materials for Production

Composite Materials - Searching for information on uses
Composite Materials - Importance in the locality
Ceramic Materials - Identifying common ceramic materials
Ceramic Materials - Collecting ceramic items

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Research uses of composite materials
- Prepare charts showing types and uses
- Apply digital literacy skills in research
- Collect ceramic items from locality
- Write names of ceramic items
- Store collected items safely

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use digital devices to search for information on uses
- Watch video clips showing composite material applications
- Observe pictures and charts
- Find out uses of plastic-coated paper, chipboard, concrete
- Write reports on observations
- Take a walk around locality with teacher guidance
- Identify ceramic items
- Collect some of the items
- Write names of items
- Discuss ceramic materials used
- Store items in safe place

How can we find information about composite material uses?
How can we identify and collect ceramic materials safely?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 69
- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Video clips
- Manila papers for charts
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 70
- Community resources
- Pictures of local structures
- Sample composite items
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 71
- Pictures of ceramic items
- Real ceramic items (pots, plates, tiles)
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 72
- Collection bags
- Notebooks for recording
- Storage boxes
- Safety gloves

- Chart assessment - Written reports - Practical work
- Practical work - Observation - Portfolio assessment

Materials for Production

Ceramic Materials - Physical properties of ceramics
Ceramic Materials - Investigating properties

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define physical properties
- Identify physical properties of ceramic materials
- Appreciate the unique properties of ceramics

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Brainstorm meaning of physical properties
- Discuss physical properties of ceramic materials
- Use print and digital media to search for properties
- Study pictures showing brittleness, fire resistance, heat resistance

What are the physical properties of ceramic materials?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 73
- Digital devices
- Print resources
- Pictures showing properties
- Sample ceramic items
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 74
- Ceramic items (glass, pots)
- Water
- Source of heat
- Tongs
- Safety equipment

- Observation - Written tests - Group discussions

Materials for Production

Ceramic Materials - Understanding properties

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain brittleness of ceramics
- Describe fire, heat, water and corrosion resistance
- Value the properties of ceramic materials

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study explanations of basic properties
- Discuss brittleness and why ceramics break easily
- Learn about fire resistance in flames
- Understand corrosion resistance
- Discuss water and heat resistance applications

Why do ceramic materials have these specific properties?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 75
- Charts showing properties
- Sample ceramic items
- Pictures demonstrating properties
- Reference books

- Written tests - Oral questions - Observation

Materials for Production
Materials for Production
Tools and Production

Ceramic Materials - Uses in work environment
Ceramic Materials - Importance in the locality
Cutting Tools - Identifying cutting tools

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Match ceramic materials to their uses
- Identify uses of ceramics in different sectors
- Prepare charts showing types and uses
- Appreciate ceramic material applications
- Identify importance of ceramic materials in locality
- Discuss uses in kitchen, construction, decoration
- Explain healthcare applications
- Value ceramic materials in daily life

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Match ceramic items with uses in work environment
- Search for information on uses using digital resources
- Prepare chart showing types and uses
- Visit workplaces to identify ceramic materials
- Record findings in tables
- Study pictures of people making and using ceramics
- Identify ceramic materials shown
- Discuss importance in the locality
- Debate statement about ceramic importance
- Share with parents importance of ceramics at home

How are ceramic materials used in different workplaces?
Why are ceramic materials important in our daily lives?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 76
- Digital devices
- Manila papers for charts
- Workplace access
- Resource persons
- Sample ceramic items
- Mentor Pre-Technical Grade 8, pg. 78
- Pictures of ceramic uses
- Digital devices
- Debate guidelines
- Reference materials
- Community resources
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 80
- Pictures of cutting tools
- Real cutting tools (hacksaws, handsaws, chisels, planes, snips)
- Charts showing cutting tools

- Chart assessment - Practical work - Oral presentations - Written reports
- Oral presentations - Written reports - Debate participation - Self-reflection

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Collecting and identifying cutting tools
Cutting Tools - Uses of hacksaws and handsaws
Cutting Tools - Uses of chisels and planes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Collect different cutting tools available in the locality
- Identify and write down names of cutting tools
- Store tools safely for later use

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Collect different cutting tools available in the locality under teacher guidance
- Identify and write down the names of the cutting tools
- Store the tools in a safe place

How should cutting tools be stored safely?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 81
- Various cutting tools from locality
- Storage containers
- Notebooks for recording
- Hacksaws and handsaws
- Metal rods, plastic pipes, wood pieces
- Pictures showing tool applications
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 82
- Wood chisels and cold chisels
- Various types of planes
- Wood and metal samples
- Safety equipment

- Practical work - Observation - Written records

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Uses of snips, scrappers and other cutting tools
Cutting Tools - Selecting appropriate cutting tools

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the use of snips in metalwork
- Explain the function of scrappers in removing materials
- Identify uses of knives, strippers and cutters

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Learn about tin snips and aviation snips for cutting metal sheets
- Discuss scrappers for removing material from surfaces
- Study knives (fixed blade, sliding, folding)
- Learn about strippers for removing wire insulation
- Discuss various cutters (wire cutters, pipe cutters, paper cutters)

What tools are best for cutting thin metal sheets?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 82
- Tin snips and aviation snips
- Scrappers
- Various knives
- Wire strippers
- Different types of cutters
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 83
- Previously collected cutting tools
- Classification charts
- Notebooks for recording

- Observation - Oral questions - Group discussions

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Using a handsaw safely
Cutting Tools - Using a hacksaw safely
Cutting Tools - Using a wood chisel
Cutting Tools - Using snips to cut metal sheets

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use a handsaw safely to cut timber
- Follow proper procedures when using a handsaw
- Observe safety precautions while cutting
- Use snips to cut metallic sheets
- Apply correct technique when using snips
- Cut safely away from the body

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles
- Position timber carefully on working surface
- Measure and mark cut line using try square and pencil
- Secure timber using a clamp
- Practice cutting timber using proper handsaw technique
- Wear protective gloves
- Secure metallic sheet on flat working surface
- Measure and mark cut line using scriber and steel rule
- Hold snips correctly
- Open snips and align blades with cut line
- Practice cutting along the marked line

How is a handsaw used safely to cut wood?
How do we use snips to cut metal sheets safely?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 85
- Handsaws
- Pieces of timber
- Tape measure, try square, pencil
- Clamps
- Working surface
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles)
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 86
- Hacksaws
- Metal rods and plastic pipes
- Scriber
- Bench vice
- Working bench
- Protective gloves and overalls
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 88
- Wood chisels
- Mallet
- Pencil and ruler
- Protective gloves and goggles
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 89
- Tin snips or aviation snips
- Metallic sheets
- Scriber and steel rule
- Tape measure
- Protective gloves
- Working surface

- Practical work - Observation - Safety compliance assessment
- Practical work - Observation - Written tests

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Using wire cutters

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use wire cutters to cut wires of different sizes
- Hold wire cutters properly
- Observe safety when cutting wires

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Identify and mark point on wire for cutting
- Hold wire cutter with dominant hand correctly
- Open handles to open blades
- Place wire between blades ensuring proper alignment
- Apply force to close blades and cut wire
- Practice cutting wires of different sizes

How do we cut wires safely using wire cutters?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 91
- Wire cutters
- Wires of different sizes
- Marking tools
- Protective gloves

- Practical work - Observation - Peer assessment

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Using planes and scrappers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use a plane to smoothen and reduce timber thickness
- Use a scrapper to remove embedded dirt
- Apply proper techniques for each tool

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use jack plane to smoothen timber surface
- Practice reducing thickness of timber
- Wear protective gear (safety goggles)
- Use scrapper to remove embedded dirt from surfaces
- Hold scrapper at 30° angle
- Practice scraping different surfaces

How do planes and scrappers prepare surfaces?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 90
- Jack plane
- Scrappers
- Pieces of timber
- Surfaces with embedded dirt
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves

- Practical work - Observation - Safety compliance

Tools and Production

Cutting Tools - Using wire strippers and knives
Cutting Tools - Caring for cutting tools
Cutting Tools - Importance of cutting tools in the workplace

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Use wire strippers to remove wire insulation
- Use utility knives to cut cardboard and paper
- Observe safety precautions with sharp tools
- Explain the importance of cutting tools in work environment
- Prepare informative posters on cutting tools
- Value the role of cutting tools in various workplaces

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Open jaws of wire stripper
- Place wire between jaws at correct distance from end
- Squeeze and rotate stripper to remove insulation
- Practice stripping and cutting wires
- Use utility knife to cut cardboard at 45° angle
- Store knife with blade retracted
- Discuss the importance of cutting tools in the work environment
- Prepare posters providing information on importance of cutting tools
- Place posters at school workshop or Pre-Technical Studies corner
- Share findings with classmates

How do we safely strip wires and cut with knives?
Why are cutting tools essential in workplaces?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 92
- Wire strippers
- Insulated wires
- Utility/sliding knives
- Cardboard paper
- Ruler and pencil
- Protective gloves
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 95
- Various cutting tools
- Digital devices
- Internet access
- Tool maintenance materials
- Pictures of tool care
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 96
- Manila papers
- Markers and colors
- Pictures of cutting tools
- Reference materials

- Practical work - Observation - Peer assessment
- Observation - Poster assessment - Oral presentations

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Meaning and examples of computer software

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define the term computer software
- Give examples of computer software
- Appreciate the role of software in computers

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study pictures of different computer hardware performing tasks
- Identify activities taking place in each picture
- Brainstorm on the meaning of 'computer software'
- Use digital or printed resources to search for meaning and examples of computer software
- Learn about word processors, spreadsheets, presentation and desktop publishing

What is computer software and why is it important?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 97
- Digital devices (computers, tablets)
- Pictures showing software use
- Internet access
- Reference books

- Observation - Oral questions - Written notes

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Categories of computer software

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify categories of computer software
- Distinguish between system software and application software
- Explain the role of operating systems

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Learn about system software and application software
- Discuss system software (operating systems like Microsoft Windows)
- Study application software (word processors, spreadsheets, presentations)
- Understand that system software runs in the background
- Learn that application software is user-oriented

How do system software and application software differ?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 99
- Computers with different software
- Microsoft Windows
- Examples of application software
- Digital devices
- Charts showing software categories

- Observation - Oral questions - Written tests

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Functions of word processors
Computer Software - Using Microsoft Word
Computer Software - Functions of presentation software

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the functions of word processing software
- Identify Microsoft Word as a word processor
- Use word processors to create documents
- Explain the functions of presentation software
- Identify Microsoft PowerPoint as presentation software
- Create visual presentations for audiences

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Visit computer laboratory or ICT centre
- Observe how word processors are used
- Learn about creating, saving, formatting, editing and printing documents
- Discuss the five main functions of word processors
- Share findings with classmates
- Learn about PowerPoint for creating visual presentations
- Discuss functions: creating presentations from templates, adding text, images, art and videos
- Study adding transitions, animations and cinematic motion
- Observe how presentations are used in different settings

What can we do with word processing software?
What is presentation software used for?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 100
- Computer laboratory
- Microsoft Word software
- Digital devices
- Sample documents
- Internet access
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 101
- Computers with Microsoft Word
- Printers
- Practice documents
- Step-by-step guides
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 100
- Microsoft PowerPoint software
- Digital devices
- Sample presentations
- Projector (if available)

- Observation - Oral questions - Practical demonstrations
- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Using Microsoft PowerPoint

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Start Microsoft PowerPoint application
- Create a blank presentation
- Add text and new slides to presentations

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Click Start button and select PowerPoint
- Create blank presentation
- Learn about PowerPoint features (title bar, ribbon, thumbnail slides, placeholders)
- Click in title and subtitle placeholders to add text
- Practice adding new slides with different layouts
- Save presentation using "Save As"

How do we create presentations in PowerPoint?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 103
- Computers with Microsoft PowerPoint
- Practice presentation topics
- Step-by-step guides
- Digital devices

- Practical work - Observation - Saved presentations assessment

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Saving and printing PowerPoint presentations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Save PowerPoint presentations with appropriate names
- Print presentations or selected slides
- Share presentations via email

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Practice saving presentations by clicking File then Save As
- Type presentation name and choose save location
- Learn to print all slides or selected slides
- Adjust print settings before printing
- Practice printing presentations or sharing via email

How do we save and share PowerPoint presentations?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 107
- Computers with PowerPoint
- Printers
- Email access
- Sample presentations
- USB drives for saving

- Practical work - Observation - Peer assessment

Tools and Production

Computer Software - Functions of spreadsheet software
Computer Software - Using Microsoft Excel
Computer Software - Saving and printing Excel worksheets
Computer Software - Importance of application software

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the functions of spreadsheet software
- Identify Microsoft Excel as spreadsheet software
- Understand how spreadsheets organize data
- Save Excel worksheets with appropriate names
- Print Excel worksheets
- Manage Excel files effectively

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Learn about spreadsheets arranged in rows and columns
- Discuss Microsoft Excel functions: creating charts and graphs, searching, sorting and calculating data
- Study data analysis and saving capabilities
- Understand spreadsheet applications in workplaces
- Practice saving worksheets by clicking File then Save As
- Select location and type file name
- Learn to print worksheets with print settings
- Practice creating, saving and printing a class project spreadsheet
- Store printed work in portfolio

What tasks can spreadsheet software perform?
How do we save and print Excel worksheets?

- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 100
- Microsoft Excel software
- Sample spreadsheets with data
- Charts and graphs examples
- Digital devices
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 109
- Computers with Microsoft Excel
- Sample data for entry
- Step-by-step guides
- Practice worksheets
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 111
- Computers with Excel
- Printers
- Sample worksheets
- USB drives
- Portfolios for storing work
- Mentor Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 112
- Manila papers and markers
- Case studies of software use
- Reference materials
- Digital devices

- Observation - Oral questions - Written tests
- Practical work - Observation - Saved files assessment