Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Meaning and importance of fire

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

- Define fire and describe its role in the work environment
- Identify uses of fire in day-to-day life
- Show interest in learning about fire safety

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Brainstorm on the meaning of fire and the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen)
- Discuss the importance of fire in a work environment
- Share experiences on how fire is used at home and in the community

What is fire and why is it important in day-to-day life?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 1
- Curriculum design page 1 

- Oral questions - Observation

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Causes of fire outbreaks

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

- Identify flammable substances as causes of fire outbreaks
- Explain how flammable materials lead to fire outbreaks
- Appreciate the danger of mishandling flammable substances

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss and identify flammable substances in the environment (petrol, kerosene, gas)
- Use pictures to explain how flammable substances cause fire outbreaks
- Share experiences of fire incidents linked to flammable materials

How do flammable substances cause fire outbreaks in the environment?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 2
-Curriculum design page 1 

- Oral questions - Observation

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Ways of preventing fire outbreaks

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

- Identify ways of preventing fire outbreaks in the environment
- Apply fire prevention measures in the work environment
- Appreciate the importance of fire prevention for safety

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss a fire safety checklist and explain how each tip prevents fire outbreaks
- Share personal experiences or school-based fire safety measures
- Brainstorm additional fire prevention measures for different environments

What measures can be taken to prevent fire outbreaks in the work environment?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 4
- Fire safety checklist posters
- Internet access and reference books

- Written test - Oral questions

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Firefighting techniques

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

-State the cooling and smothering firefighting techniques
- Explain how each method works to extinguish fire
- Show willingness to apply firefighting techniques safely

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use audio-visual aids to observe cooling (reducing temperature) and smothering (reducing oxygen) in action
- Discuss how each method is applied and the type of fire each suits
- Demonstrate cooling using water on a small simulated fire scenario

How are the cooling and smothering methods used to extinguish fire?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 5
- Video clips on firefighting methods
- Charts showing firefighting techniques

- Observation - Oral questions

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Firefighting techniques

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

- Describe the starving and interrupting firefighting techniques
- Explain the situations in which each technique is applied
- Acknowledge the need to choose the correct technique for each fire type

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use pictures to identify the starving (removing fuel) and interrupting (chemical reaction) methods
- Discuss the applications of each technique in different fire scenarios
- Make summary notes comparing all four firefighting methods

In what situations is the starving method more suitable than other firefighting techniques?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 6
- Charts of firefighting methods
- Digital devices for video clips

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Fire Safety - Importance of observing fire safety
Data Safety - Meaning of data and information

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

-State the importance of observing fire safety in day-to-day life
- Relate fire safety practices to protection of lives, property and the environment
- Commit to sensitising the community on fire safety

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss a fire safety poster highlighting the benefits of fire safety measures
- Explain how fire safety protects lives, prevents property damage, reduces injuries and protects the environment
- Discuss how to sensitise family and community members on fire safety

Why is it important for everyone to observe fire safety at home and in the work environment?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 8
- Fire safety posters and flyers
- Internet access
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 10
- Digital devices (computer, smartphone, tablet)
- Internet access and reference books

- Oral questions - Written test

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Importance of data in an electronic device

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

- Outline the importance of data in electronic devices
- Discuss different ways data is used within electronic devices
- Appreciate why data management is essential in modern life

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study and discuss a chart showing the importance of data in electronic devices
- Brainstorm additional importances of data beyond those in the chart
- Complete the chart by filling in examples and present findings to the class

Why is data important in electronic devices used in day-to-day life?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 11
- Digital devices
- Charts on importance of data

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Threats to data in an electronic device

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

- Identify viruses and unauthorised access as key threats to data
- Explain how viruses and unauthorised access compromise data safety
- Show concern for the security of personal data on electronic devices

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use visual aids to identify threats to data in electronic devices
- Discuss how viruses infect devices and corrupt or delete data
- Discuss how unauthorised access occurs by exploiting security weaknesses

How do computer viruses and unauthorised access threaten data in electronic devices?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 12
- Digital devices
- Internet access

- Oral questions - Observation

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Threats to data in an electronic device
Data Safety - Ways of protecting data in an electronic device

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

- Identify physical theft, human error and hardware failure as threats to data
- Explain how each threat leads to loss or compromise of data
- Appreciate the need for comprehensive data protection strategies
- Discuss real-life examples of each threat from their own experience

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how physical theft puts device data at risk
- Explain how accidental deletion (human error) and hardware failure cause data loss
- Share and discuss real-life examples of these threats with peers

In what ways can human actions lead to permanent loss of data on a device?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 12
- Reference books and digital resources
- Internet access
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 13
- Digital devices

- Observation - Oral questions

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Securing data in an electronic device

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

-State how to create a strong password and apply it to a Word document
- Follow correct steps to encrypt a document using a password
- Show responsibility when securing personal files on a computer

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Create a strong password using a mix of letters, numbers and special characters
- Follow the step-by-step process to protect a Word document using the Encrypt with Password option
- Save and reopen the document to confirm the password is active

How do you protect a Word document with a password to secure its data?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 14
- Computers with Microsoft Word installed
- Digital devices

- Practical assessment - Observation

Foundations of Pre-Technical Studies

Data Safety - Importance of data safety

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

-State the importance of data safety in day-to-day life
- Relate data safety to prevention of financial loss, identity theft and exposure of personal information
- Commit to practising data safety measures in personal device use

- Read and discuss a scenario of Grade 8 learners discussing the importance of data safety
- Explain how each benefit (financial protection, personal information, identity security) is achieved through data safety
- Discuss ways of helping family members secure data on their mobile phones

How does observing data safety protect individuals from financial loss and identity theft?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 16
- Digital devices
- Internet access and reference books

- Oral questions - Written test

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Drawing instruments and materials

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

- Identify drawing instruments and materials used in plane geometry
- State the use of each drawing instrument
- Show interest in the correct selection of drawing instruments

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Observe and discuss drawing instruments and materials shown in Figure 1
- Identify each instrument and state its specific use
- Discuss which three instruments are most suitable for drawing parallel lines

Which instrument would you use to draw a perfect straight line and why?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 18
- Drawing instruments (pencils, set squares, ruler)
- Digital resources

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Drawing instruments and materials

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

-  State H series, B series and HB pencils and their uses
- Differentiate types of set squares and describe their functions
- Appreciate the importance of selecting the correct pencil grade for drawing

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss the grades and uses of H, B and HB series pencils using Figure 2
- Identify the two types of set squares (45° and 30°/60°) and state their uses
- Practise using set squares to draw angles and parallel lines

How does the grade of a pencil affect the quality of a technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 19
- Pencils of various grades
- Set squares
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 20
- Geometrical drawing set
- Charts showing drawing instruments

- Observation - Oral questions

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Layout of a drawing environment

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

- State the requirements for setting up a drawing environment
- Explain the importance of a flat, clean and smooth drawing surface
- Show willingness to set up a drawing environment correctly

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use the Internet or reference books to search for information on setting up a drawing environment
- Write and share summary notes on drawing environment requirements
- Discuss why a clean, flat surface improves drawing accuracy

Why is it important to set up a proper drawing environment before starting a technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 21
- Internet access and reference books
- Drawing boards and paper

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Layout of a drawing environment

By the end of the lesson, the learner  should be able to:
-Identify information written in a title block
- Set up drawing paper correctly with margins and a title block
- Appreciate the role of a title block in organising technical drawings

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Follow steps to place paper on drawing board, draw margin lines 15 mm from edges
- Draw and fill in the title block in the lower right corner of the paper
- Discuss the five items recorded in a title block (name, class, date, title, scale)

What information is included in a title block and why is each item important?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 22
- Drawing paper (A3)
- Pencils, ruler and set squares

- Observation - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Construction of combined shapes

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

- State how to construct a triangle inscribed in a circle using drawing instruments
- Draw combined shapes on a correctly set up paper layout
- Show precision and care when constructing geometric shapes

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how to draw combined shapes from Figure 8
- Construct a triangle inscribed in a circle following given steps
- Draw combined shapes on the paper layout prepared in the previous lesson

How are combined geometric shapes constructed accurately using drawing instruments?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 24
- Geometrical drawing set
- Drawing paper with prepared layout

- Observation - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Construction of combined shapes
Plane Geometry - Use of plane geometry in drawing

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

- State how to construct a square inscribed in a circle
- Construct a combined shape by joining a rectangle and a triangle
- Construct a kite given the lengths of its diagonals

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Follow the four steps to inscribe a square in a circle (diagonal PS = 64 mm)
- Construct the rectangle-triangle combined shape following steps (a)–(f)
- Construct kite PQRS with diagonals PR = 64 mm and SQ = 38 mm

How does bisecting a line help in constructing shapes inscribed in a circle?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 27
- Geometrical drawing set and drawing paper
- Ruler and compasses
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 29
- Internet access and reference books
- Charts showing plane geometry applications

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plane Geometry - Drawing instruments and materials

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

- Name instruments and materials used in drawing from observation
- Set up drawing paper and construct combined shapes independently
- Show confidence in applying plane geometry skills

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Name instruments shown in exercise figures (a), (b), (c)
- Sketch two plane figures using a pencil
- Construct a combined shape (rectangle + triangle) and a circle inscribed in a triangle of side 70 mm

How do you determine the appropriate instruments to use for a specific drawing task?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 31
- A3 drawing paper and geometrical set
- Pencils and ruler

- Written test - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Meaning and types of dimensioning

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

- Define the term dimensioning as used in technical drawing
- Identify the types of dimensioning in drawing
- Show interest in understanding how dimensions communicate information in drawings

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Read about dimensioning from Rita's tablet activity and discuss the meaning
- Explain the meaning of dimensioning in own words
- Search the Internet for information on different types of dimensioning

What is dimensioning and why is it important in technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 32
- Digital devices and internet access
- Charts and drawings with dimensions

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Types of dimensioning

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

- State linear dimensioning and explain where it is used
- Describe radial dimensioning and explain where it is used
- Distinguish between linear and radial dimensioning in drawings

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how linear dimensioning measures straight-line distances between two points
- Use Figure 1 to study examples of linear dimensioning (horizontal, vertical, inclined)
- Use Figure 2 to study radial dimensioning of arcs and circles

How does radial dimensioning differ from linear dimensioning in a technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 33
- Drawing charts showing linear and radial dimensioning
- Digital devices
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 34
- Drawing charts showing angular and arc dimensioning
- Digital devices and reference books

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Lines used for dimensioning

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

- Identify the types of lines used for dimensioning in a drawing
- Distinguish between dimension lines, extension lines and leader lines
- Appreciate the importance of correct line types in communicating dimensions

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study a teacher's constructed drawing and identify the different dimensioning lines used
- Draw and label dimension lines, extension lines and leader lines from the drawing
- Share and compare dimensioning lines with classmates

How do extension lines and dimension lines work together to show the size of a feature?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 35
- Drawing paper and pencils
- Charts showing dimensioning line types

- Observation - Oral questions

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Lines used for dimensioning

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

- State how to draw dimension lines, extension lines and leader lines on given shapes
- Label each type of dimensioning line correctly
- Show precision when adding dimensioning lines to technical drawings

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Draw a rectangle and add dimension lines with arrowheads for length and width
- Add two extension lines for each dimension line drawn
- Draw a leader line pointing to the top surface of the rectangle and label it

How do you correctly draw and label dimensioning lines on a technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 36
- Drawing paper, pencils and ruler
- Set squares and geometrical set

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Dimensioning a given shape

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

- Identify the parallel method of dimensioning
- Apply the parallel dimensioning method to dimension given shapes
- Appreciate the importance of consistent dimensioning methods in technical drawings

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study and identify the parallel dimensioning method from given drawings (a), (b), (c)
- Explain the difference between parallel and chain dimensioning from the drawings
- Apply the parallel method to dimension a shape on drawing paper

When would a drafter prefer the parallel dimensioning method over the chain method?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 37
- Drawing paper, pencils and ruler
- Charts showing dimensioning methods

- Observation - Oral questions

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Dimensioning a given shape

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

- State how to apply the chain dimensioning method to given shapes
- Apply the combined dimensioning method to given shapes
- Develop a portfolio of dimensioned drawings using different methods

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Trace outlines of given drawings onto paper
- Measure dimensions in millimetres and apply the chain method
- Apply the combined dimensioning method and compile drawings into a portfolio

How does the combined dimensioning method incorporate both parallel and chain methods?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 37
- Drawing paper, pencils and geometrical set
- Portfolio folder
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 38
- Drawing paper, pencils and ruler
- Geometrical set

- Portfolio - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Importance of dimensioning

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

- State the importance of dimensioning in technical drawings
- Relate dimensioning to accuracy, manufacturing guidance and object description
- Appreciate that dimensions make technical drawings complete and useful

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Identify the dimensioning method used in given drawings
- Discuss the three reasons why dimensioning is important (accuracy, manufacturing guidance, object description)
- Measure the classroom floor and make a dimensioned scale drawing

How does dimensioning a drawing make it more useful in construction and manufacturing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 40
- Tape measure and drawing paper
- Pencils and ruler

- Oral questions - Written test

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Types of dimensioning

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

- Name the parts of a dimension
-Describe how to measure and dimension plane figures using different methods
- Show confidence in identifying and applying dimensioning types

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Define dimensioning in own words
- Name the parts marked with letters in the given dimension figure
- Measure and dimension plane figures using parallel, chain or combined methods

How do you determine the correct type of dimensioning to apply to a given drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 41
- Drawing paper, pencils and ruler
- Geometrical set

- Written test - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Dimensioning - Types of dimensioning

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

- Name the parts of a dimension
-Describe how to measure and dimension plane figures using different methods
- Show confidence in identifying and applying dimensioning types

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Define dimensioning in own words
- Name the parts marked with letters in the given dimension figure
- Measure and dimension plane figures using parallel, chain or combined methods

How do you determine the correct type of dimensioning to apply to a given drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 41
- Drawing paper, pencils and ruler
- Geometrical set

- Written test - Practical assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plain Scale Drawing - Features of a plain scale

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

- Define a plain scale and explain its purpose in drawing
- Identify the features of a plain scale from a given diagram
- Show interest in learning how scales are used in technical drawing

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use a dictionary or Internet to find the meaning of a plain scale
- Discuss what can be observed on a plain scale from the diagram provided
- Identify two sets of divisions, labels, the representative fraction (R.F.) and the zero point

What is a plain scale and why is it used in technical drawing?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 42
- Plain scale diagrams and charts
- Internet access and reference books
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 43
- Plain scale diagrams
- Drawing instruments

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plain Scale Drawing - Interpreting a plain scale

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

- State how to construct a plain scale given the representative fraction
- Interpret the divisions on a plain scale to read measurements
- Show precision when constructing and labelling a plain scale

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Construct a plain scale with R.F. to measure length in metres and decimetres
- Label the main divisions and subdivisions correctly
- Measure the divisions using a ruler and confirm the R.F. from the scale constructed

How do you use the representative fraction to construct a plain scale correctly?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 44
- Drawing instruments and paper
- Ruler and pencil

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plain Scale Drawing - Interpreting a plain scale

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

- State how to construct plain scales for different units of measurement
- Compare plain scales of different R.F. values
- Appreciate the need for accuracy when constructing plain scales

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Construct a plain scale (a) in cm and mm up to 10 cm
- Construct a plain scale (b) in metres and decimetres up to 12 m
- Construct a plain scale (c) in kilometres and hectometres; compare and discuss the three scales

Why do plain scales for different units of measurement look different even when the R.F. is the same?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 45
- Drawing instruments and A3 paper
- Ruler and pencil

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plain Scale Drawing - Interpreting a plain scale
Plain Scale Drawing - Drawing plane figures to a given scale

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

- Identify how to read a plain scale to find lengths of given measurements
- Apply the formula: Length = Part A + Part B to find total length
- Show accuracy when reading values from a plain scale

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Construct the plain scale shown in Activity 4 and measure its divisions
- Read the plain scale to find the value of length x (Part A + Part B)
- Read the plain scale to find length k using the worked example (k = 4 m + 0.9 m = 4.9 m)

How do you accurately read a plain scale to find the length of a given measurement?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 46
- Constructed plain scales
- Ruler and drawing instruments
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 47
- Drawing instruments and paper
- Ruler, pencil and calculator

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Plain Scale Drawing - Use of plain scale drawing

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

- Identify workplaces where plain scale drawing is used
- Relate plain scale drawing to architecture, urban planning, surveying and interior design
- Show appreciation for the role of plain scale drawing in professional work

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study a house plan and determine drawing measurements of walls using a ruler
- Compare the R.F. found with the one provided on the plan
- Discuss five work environments where plain scale drawing is used (architecture, urban planning, surveying, interior design, education)

How does plain scale drawing make it possible to represent large real-world objects on paper?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 49
- House plan samples and printed scale drawings
- Internet access and reference books

- Oral questions - Written test

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Types of visual programming applications

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

- Define visual programming and visual programming applications
- Identify the three types of visual programming applications
- Show interest in exploring visual programming tools

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Brainstorm on the meanings of visual programming and visual programming applications
- Use the Internet to search for types of visual programming applications
- Discuss and categorise educational, multimedia and video game development applications

How is visual programming different from regular text-based programming?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 52
- Digital devices and internet access
- Charts on types of visual programming

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Types of visual programming applications

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

- Identify Scratch and Microsoft MakeCode as examples of visual programming applications
- Describe the purpose of each application
- Appreciate how visual programming applications make coding accessible to learners

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study icons of Scratch, MakeCode and Spritebox and identify each application
- Discuss how Scratch uses colourful blocks to teach programming concepts
- Discuss how MakeCode enables beginners to create programs for devices

What makes Scratch a suitable visual programming application for learning coding?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 53
- Digital devices with Scratch and MakeCode installed
- Internet access

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Features of visual programming applications

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

- Identify the features of the Scratch visual programming application
- Describe the function of each feature on the Scratch interface
- Show willingness to explore and navigate a visual programming environment

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Type 'Scratch' in a browser and launch the application
- Click 'Create' and identify different features on the Scratch homepage
- Write a brief summary of the features observed and share with classmates

What are the main features of the Scratch application and what is the role of each feature?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 54
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Scratch application (scratch.mit.edu)
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 55
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access

- Observation - Oral questions

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Features of visual programming applications

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

- Identify how to add sprites and create commands in the Scratch script area
- Apply backdrops, sounds and effects to make a Scratch project interactive
- Show creativity when designing a visual programming project

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Add different sprites and create a set of commands in the script area
- Add backdrops, sounds and effects to the project
- Test how control and events blocks bring the project to life; share and explain the project to other groups

How do control blocks and event blocks work together to make a Scratch project interactive?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 58
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Terminologies used in visual programming

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

- Define syntax, variables, input statements and output statements in visual programming
- Identify examples of input and output blocks in the Scratch application
- Appreciate the importance of understanding programming terminology

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use the Internet to find meanings of syntax, variables, input and output statements
- Read and write meanings in notebooks and share with classmates
- Identify input blocks (sensing, ask) and output blocks (say, sound) in Scratch using Figures 8 and 9

What is the role of input and output statements in a visual programming application?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 59
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access and reference books

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Terminologies used in visual programming

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

- Define coding, coding blocks and sequence statements in visual programming
- Explain how coding blocks represent commands and control structures graphically
- Show understanding of how a sequence statement defines the order of instructions

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Complete the crossword puzzle activity on visual programming terminologies
- Define coding as the process of creating instructions for a computer to follow
- Discuss how coding blocks are graphical representations of commands in visual programming

How does a sequence statement ensure that a visual program runs its instructions in the correct order?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 62
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Digital resources

- Oral questions - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Terminologies used in visual programming
Visual Programming - Creating instructions using visual programming

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

- Define selection statements, repeating statements and variable declarations
- Explain how each is used to control program flow in visual programming
- Appreciate how these terminologies form the building blocks of programming logic

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Define selection statement and explain how it enables a program to make decisions (IF blocks)
- Define repeating statement and explain how it repeats a set of instructions multiple times
- Define variable declarations and explain how they specify the type of data a variable can hold

How does a selection statement allow a visual program to respond differently to different conditions?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 62
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access
- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 63

- Oral questions - Written assignments

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Creating instructions using visual programming

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

- State how to use se event blocks to trigger actions in a Scratch program
- Apply an IF selection block to change sprite behaviour based on a condition
- Show creativity when using event and control blocks in Scratch

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Drag an Events block and a Looks block into the script area
- Press the space bar and observe the effect on the sprite's colour
- Change the key in the block drop-down and observe the new behaviour; select a backdrop from the Stage panel

How does changing the key in an event block affect what happens when the program runs?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 64
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access

- Practical assessment - Observation

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Creating instructions using visual programming

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

- Identify how to create a Scratch project of own choice using a sequence of coding blocks
- Describe the steps followed to create the instructions
- Show confidence and creativity in building an independent visual programming project

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Create instructions of own choice using Scratch and write down the steps followed
- Create a project where the sprite says 'Hello' when the green flag is clicked
- Share the complete sequence of instructions with classmates and explain coding choices

How do you plan and organise coding blocks before building a Scratch project?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 65
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access

- Practical assessment - Portfolio

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Creating instructions using visual programming

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

- Identify how to create a Scratch project of own choice using a sequence of coding blocks
- Describe the steps followed to create the instructions
- Show confidence and creativity in building an independent visual programming project

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Create instructions of own choice using Scratch and write down the steps followed
- Create a project where the sprite says 'Hello' when the green flag is clicked
- Share the complete sequence of instructions with classmates and explain coding choices

How do you plan and organise coding blocks before building a Scratch project?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 65
- Computers or tablets with Scratch
- Internet access

- Practical assessment - Portfolio

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Types of visual programming applications

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

- Identify the importance of visual programming in day-to-day life
- Describe the types and features of visual programming applications
- Show appreciation for visual programming as a tool for creativity and problem solving

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Read the newspaper article on visual programming and identify three importances stated
- Discuss other importances of visual programming (accessibility, creativity, digital literacy)
- Answer review exercises: define terms, describe types and create an electronic keyboard project

How has visual programming made coding more accessible to people who are not trained programmers?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 66
- Digital devices and internet access
- Reference books

- Oral questions - Written test - Peer and self-assessment

Communication in Pre-Technical Studies

Visual Programming - Types of visual programming applications

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

- Identify the importance of visual programming in day-to-day life
- Describe the types and features of visual programming applications
- Show appreciation for visual programming as a tool for creativity and problem solving

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Read the newspaper article on visual programming and identify three importances stated
- Discuss other importances of visual programming (accessibility, creativity, digital literacy)
- Answer review exercises: define terms, describe types and create an electronic keyboard project

How has visual programming made coding more accessible to people who are not trained programmers?

- Longhorn Pre-Technical Studies Grade 8 pg. 66
- Digital devices and internet access
- Reference books

- Oral questions - Written test - Peer and self-assessment