
Week Three
Subject: Information Communication Technology
Class: Primary Four
Week of the Third Term: 3rd Week
Topic: Data
Subtopic: Meaning of Data, Types of Data: Alphabetic, Numeric, Alphanumeric, and Symbols
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define data and explain its importance.
- Identify the different types of data: Alphabetic, Numeric, Alphanumeric, and Symbols.
- Provide examples of each type of data in everyday situations.
Entry Behaviour
Before starting this lesson, pupils should already know:
- Basic understanding of numbers and letters.
- Familiarity with symbols (e.g., punctuation marks, signs).
Instructional Materials
- A laptop or desktop computer.
- Flashcards with examples of different types of data (alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, symbols).
- Whiteboard and markers for writing and explaining examples.
Reference Materials
Oyeleke, S. B. (2018). Basic Approach to ICT for Primary Schools Book 4. Metropolitan Publishers. Lagos.
Olatunde, A., Odeh, I., & Yusuf, M. (2015). WABP Information and Communications Technology for Primary School Book 4. West African Publishers. Lagos.
Content
Meaning of Data
Data refers to raw facts or figures that are collected for analysis or processing. Data can be anything such as numbers, words, or symbols that computers process.
Types of Data
- Alphabetic Data:
- Data that consists of letters of the alphabet (e.g., A, B, C, D).
- Example: A person’s name, school name, or a place name.
- Numeric Data:
- Data that consists of numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 100).
- Example: Age, number of students in a class, the cost of an item.
- Alphanumeric Data:
- Data that combines both numbers and letters (e.g., A1, B2, 5C).
- Example: Student ID numbers, product codes, or license plates.
- Symbol Data:
- Data that consists of symbols or special characters (e.g., @, #, %, &, $).
- Example: Email addresses, website URLs, or currency symbols.
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Step 1: Introduction
Ask the pupils what they think data is and give a few simple examples (e.g., numbers, names, symbols) to engage them. Explain that data is important for making decisions and for processing by computers.
Step 2: Explanation
Define data and explain that it is everywhere around us, from names we use to numbers we see in the classroom. Go on to explain the four types of data: Alphabetic, Numeric, Alphanumeric, and Symbols.
Step 3: Demonstration
Write examples of each type of data on the board and explain each one:
- Alphabetic Data: Write names of students or places.
- Numeric Data: Write numbers such as the number of apples or the year.
- Alphanumeric Data: Write a combination of letters and numbers, like a class code.
- Symbol Data: Show symbols like the @ symbol in email addresses.
Step 4: Guided Practice
Ask the pupils to identify examples of each type of data in their notebooks. Walk around and assist if necessary. Example:
- “Can you give me an example of alphabetic data?”
- “What about alphanumeric data?”
Step 5: Independent Practice
Have the pupils work individually to list three examples of each type of data (alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, and symbols). They should write the examples clearly in their notebooks.
Step 6: Feedback
Go over the pupils’ work, providing feedback. Ask for volunteers to share their examples. Correct any mistakes and clarify any misconceptions.
Evaluation
Formative Assessment:
- Observe pupils during the guided practice and ask them questions about data types.
- Use the examples pupils give to check their understanding.
Summative Assessment:
- Ask pupils to write the definition of data and list examples of alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, and symbol data.
Summary/Conclusion
Summarize the key points of the lesson:
- Data refers to raw facts or figures that can be processed by computers.
- The four types of data are alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, and symbol data.
Reinforce the importance of understanding data as it is used in many aspects of life, especially in technology.
Assignment
Ask the pupils to create a list of their favorite items (e.g., food, books, sports) and classify them under the four types of data (alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, and symbols).

