Apple Computer Saga

Curriculum Area: Design and Technology (KS3 - Year 9)

Lesson Objectives:

• To understand the origins and history of Apple Inc.
• To identify key milestones in Apple’s development.
• To evaluate the impact of Apple’s innovations on technology and society.
• To foster collaborative learning and presentation skills.

Materials Needed:

• Projector and Computer with internet access for teacher
• Printed timeline templates
• Sticky notes and markers
• Classroom whiteboard
• Apple product images (e.g., Apple I, Macintosh, iPhone)

Lesson Structure:

Time: 45 minutes | Class size: 30 students

Starter (5 minutes):

1. Introduction:

   • Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about Apple Inc. and any Apple products they use.
   • Share a brief overview of the lesson objectives.

2. Engaging Question:

   • Ask: "How do you think technology giants like Apple influence our daily lives and society?"

Main Activity (35 minutes):

Presentation and Group Work (15 minutes):

3. Brief History of Apple:

   • Use the projector to show key milestones in the history of Apple (e.g., founding by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, introduction of Apple I, Macintosh revolution in 1984, the launch of iPhone in 2007).
   • Display images of iconic Apple products.

4. Timeline Activity:

   • Divide students into groups of 5 (6 groups total).
   • Hand out printed timeline templates and sticky notes.
   • Assign each group different periods of Apple’s history to research quickly using classroom computers or provided printouts.
     • Group 1: 1976-1980
     • Group 2: 1981-1985
     • Group 3: 1986-1995
     • Group 4: 1996-2005
     • Group 5: 2006-2010
     • Group 6: 2011-Present

5. Create Timelines:

   • Each group fills in their section of the timeline with important events, product launches, and innovations.
   • Encourage creativity in how they present their information (drawings, bullet points, etc.).

Peer Teaching and Discussion (10 minutes):

6. Gallery Walk:
   • Groups post their timelines around the classroom.
   • Students walk around the room, reviewing other groups' timelines.
   • Each group briefly presents their timeline to the class, focusing on significant milestones.

Impact Analysis (10 minutes):

7. Whole-Class Discussion:

   • Discuss how Apple’s innovations have influenced technology and society.
   • Possible prompts:
     • How did the introduction of the iPhone change communication?
     • What impact did the Macintosh have on personal computing?

8. Critical Thinking:

   • Ask students to consider what might have happened in technology without Apple's contributions.
   • Encourage them to think about the negative and positive impacts of Apple’s dominance in the tech industry.

Plenary (5 minutes):

9. Reflection:

   • Ask students to reflect on what they’ve learned and to share one interesting fact they discovered about Apple’s history.
   • Summarise the key points discussed during the lesson.

10. Exit Ticket:

    • Provide each student with a sticky note and ask them to write down one impactful Apple product and why they think it’s important. Collect these as they leave the classroom.

Assessment:

• Observation of group collaboration and participation.
• Evaluation of the timelines for accuracy and creativity.
• Contribution to the class discussion.

Extension Activity:

• Instruct students to research another technology company of their choice and compare its history with Apple. They can present their findings in the next lesson.

This structured and interactive lesson plan will engage Year 9 students with the fascinating history of Apple Inc. while aligning with the UK's Key Stage 3 Design and Technology curriculum goals.