Lesson Plan
Course Title: Computer Technician
Session Title: Computer Hardware: Components,
Functions, and Failures
Lesson Duration: Two 1 hour sessions with an additional 1 hour session for the exam
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to identify the various components of a
computer’s hardware, their functions, and potential failures that can arise from them.
Specific Objectives:



The student will be able to identify the various parts that make up a computer
The student will be able to describe the various functions of the parts of a computer
The student should be able to name various failures that can occur within the computer’s
hardware
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.275(c) Computer Technician
(5) The student relates core academic skills to the requirements of computer technologies. The
student is expected to:
(D) identify proper troubleshooting techniques
(G) describe the function of central processing units, storage devices, peripheral devices,
and microprocessor units; and
(H) explain computer system environmental requirements and related control devices.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
The PC Guide: http://www.pcguide.com/intro/over.htm
Content Developer Knowledge
Instructional Aids:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and failures Presentation
Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and failures Presentation – Handout
Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and failures Fill-in-the-blank
Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and failures Exam
Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and failures Exam – KEY
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Materials Needed:
1. Computer Hardware Parts (Monitor, CPU, RAM, Hard Drive, Motherboard, Internal
Cables, Fans, Optical Drive, Computer Case, Graphics Card, Power Supply)
2. Computer Parts Manual
3. Fill-in-the-blank
4. Copies of Exam
Equipment Needed:
1. Projection system to play presentation
2. Computer with Internet access
Learner
1. Students should refer to presentation curriculum material, fill-in-the-blank sheet, and
class notes for identifying computer hardware components, their functions, and potential
failures.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
•
Over the next few sessions we are going to learn about the various
components, functions, and common failures associated with the computer.
•
I want you to break into three groups and each group gather around one of
the three tables containing computer hardware components. On the tables
you will find two sets of index cards. The blue index cards have computer
hardware names and the white cards have their functions. As a group match
the computer hardware component cards to the correct hardware
components. Then, take the white function cards and match them to the
appropriate hardware components. (Allow groups a total of 10 minutes to
complete the explorer activity)
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
Note: Instructors can use the presentation slides and notes
with the following outline.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Course Objectives (Slide 2)
Computer Parts Challenge (Slide 3)
Different Computer Types (Slide 4)
Computer Components
A. Computer Case (Slides 5-6)
B. Motherboard (Slides 7-8)
C. CPU (Slide 9)
D. Memory (Slides 10-11)
E. Hard Drive (Slides 12-13)
F. Video Card (Slides 14-15)
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
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G. Optical Drive (Slides 16-17)
H. Power Supply (Slide 18-19)
I. Cables (Slide 20)
J. Hardware Add-ons (Slide 21)
K. Monitor (Slides 22-23)
V. Independent / Group Work (Slide 24)
VI. Exam Preparation (Slide 25)
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher will examine the various hardware components and describe their
functions using a demo build of a computer and the presentation. The teacher will
also explore the various failures that can develop with different components.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher will instruct students to go back to their groups and manipulate their
cards to the appropriate hardware device and function. The teacher will hand out a
diagram with pictures of each component. The students will label each part and list
its function. These sheets will then be used as extra study materials for the
students.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Ask the following summary questions.
1. What are the different components of a computer?
2. What are the different functions of those components?
3. What are some of the possible failures that can occur with each?
4. Name some of the different types of computers and hardware add-ons.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
The instructor will monitor student progress during the independent practice and
answer any questions the groups may have as they work to match the hardware to
the appropriate cards and complete the fill-in-the-blank sheets.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The instructor will utilize the Computer Hardware – Components, functions, and
failures Exam and Exam Key.
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students can come in before or after school and practice assembling the various
components into the computer case. This activity will further learning of how the
various components fit together and allow students to gain a better technical
understanding of the computer’s hardware.
Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Personal Development
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
Problem solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors
Organizing material logically, explaining
things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the mind’s eye)
Use manipulatives, hand
signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions
Creating rhythms out of words, creating
rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
other, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like minded people
Considering personal relationship to
larger context
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
Computer Technician
NAME
DATE
Computer Hardware Components, Functions, & Failures
Exam
True/False 4 points each (20 points total): Indicate if the statement is True (T) or
False (F) in the space provided.
_____ 1. The tablet, laptop, and desktop are all different types of computers.
_____ 2. The motherboard’s job is to serve as the board that connects all the computer’s
components.
_____ 3. Another function of the video card is to install programs on the hard drive.
_____ 4. The power supply converts household Alternating Current into useable Direct Current
for the computer’s components.
_____ 5. A monitor is comprised of little dots called bits.
Multiple Choice 4 points each (40 points total): Select the letter choice that best
completes the statement or question.
_____ 6. Which of the following statements about computer memory are true?
a. Additional memory allows a computer to run more applications simultaneously
b. Computer memory is also known as ROM (Read Only Memory)
c. Increasing computer memory will result in improved computer performance
d. A and C
_____ 7. The hard drive is the computer’s:
a. Short term memory
b. Long term memory
c. Cooling system
d. All of the above
_____ 8. A computer’s monitor:
a. Is comprised of tiny dots called pixels
b. Displays information sent from the video card
c. Has thousands of pixels that make up the image you see on screen
d. All of the above
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
_____ 9. Potential problems that can occur with a computer case are:
a. Poor ventilation
b. Not having the correct mounting holes for computer components
c. A and B
d. Too much ventilation
_____ 10. The all-in-one computer case holds:
a. The power supply
b. Display
c. Motherboard, memory, video card, and hard drive
d. All of the above
_____ 11. The motherboard can be used to connect which of these external device(s):
a. A mouse and keyboard
b. Video card
c. CPU
d. Memory
_____ 12. When working with computer components it is best to do what to avoid an electrical
short with the component?
a. Wash your hands
b. Wear something metal to conduct electricity away from anything that is touched
c. Properly ground yourself and the computer case to avoid an electrical short
d. None the above
_____ 13. CPU stands for:
a. Central Processing Unit
b. Computer Processing Unit
c. Computer Parts United
d. Connected Parts Unit
_____ 14. A failure with the computer’s hard drive can cause:
a. Software malfunctions and lock up the computer
b. A, C & D
c. The computer not to boot
d. The computer to shut down
_____ 15. The main function of the Optical Drive is to:
a. Load applications, documents, and media on to the computer
b. Supply various components of the computer with power
c. Display content seen on screen
d. Connect all of the computer’s components
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Matching 4 Points Each (40 points total): Draw a line from the computer part name
to the correct function.
•
Computer Case
•
Holds “active” information the computer is
utilizing
•
Mother Board
•
Displays computer generated content
•
•
CPU
Retains information when the computer is
inactive or turned off including applications
such as Operating System (OS), Programs,
Data, and Files
•
Memory
•
Supplies the various components of the
computer with power
•
The “brain” of the computer which processes
the instructions sent from memory and
executes those instructions
•
Houses all computer parts in a single
enclosure
•
Transfer data between devices
•
Computes and then displays all content seen
on a computer screen
•
Primary circuit board that connects all of the
computer’s components
•
Reads Discs and loads applications,
documents, and media
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hard Drive
Video Card
Optical Drive
Power Supply
Cables
Monitor
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
Computer Technician
NAME
DATE
Computer Hardware Components, Functions, & Failures
Exam Key
True/False 4 points each (20 points total): Indicate if the statement is True (T) or
False (F) in the space provided.
__T___ 1. The tablet, laptop, and desktop are all different types of computers.
__T___ 2. The motherboard’s job is to serve as the board that connects all the computer’s
components.
__F___ 3. Another function of the video card is to install programs on the hard drive.
__T___ 4. The power supply converts household Alternating Current into useable Direct
Current for the computer’s components.
__F___ 5. A monitor is comprised of little dots called bits.
Multiple Choice 4 points each (40 points total): Select the letter choice that best
completes the statement or question.
__D___ 6. Which of the following statements about computer memory are true:
a. Additional memory allows a computer to run more applications simultaneously
b. Computer memory is also known as ROM (Read Only Memory)
c. Increasing computer memory will result in improved computer performance
d. A and C
__B___ 7. The hard drive is the computer’s:
a. Short term memory
b. Long term memory
c. Cooling System
d. All of the above
__D___ 8. A computer’s monitor:
a. Is comprised of tiny dots called pixels
b. Displays information sent from the video card
c. Has thousands of pixels that make up the image you see on screen
d. All of the above
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8
__C___ 9. Potential problems that can occur with a computer case are:
a. Poor ventilation
b. Not having the correct mounting holes for computer components
c. A and B
d. Too much ventilation
__D___ 10. The all-in-one computer case holds:
a. The power supply
b. Display
c. Motherboard, memory, video card, and hard drive
d. All of the above
__A___ 11. The motherboard can be used to connect which of these external device(s):
a. A mouse and keyboard
b. Video card
c. CPU
d. Memory
__C___ 12. When working with computer components it is best to do what to avoid an electrical
short with the component?
a. Wash your hands
b. Wear something metal to conduct electricity away from anything that is touched
c. Properly ground yourself and the computer case to avoid an electrical short
d. None the above
__A___ 13. CPU stands for:
a. Central Processing Unit
b. Computer Processing Unit
c. Computer Parts United
d. Connected Parts Unit
__B___ 14. A failure with the computer’s hard drive can cause:
a. Software malfunctions and lock up the computer
b. A, C & D
c. The computer not to boot
d. The computer to shut down
__A___ 15. The main function of the Optical Drive is to:
a. Load applications, documents, and media on to the computer
b. Supply various components of the computer with power
c. Display content seen on screen
d. Connect all of the computer’s components
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
9
Matching 4 Points Each (40 total): Draw a line from the computer part name to the
correct function.
•
Computer Case
•
Holds “active” information the computer is
utilizing
•
Mother Board
•
Displays computer generated content
•
CPU
•
Retains information when the computer is
inactive or turned off including applications
such as Operating System (OS), Programs,
Data, and Files
•
Memory
•
Supplies the various components of the
computer with power
•
The “brain” of the computer which processes
the instructions sent from memory and
executes those instructions
•
Houses all computer parts in a single
enclosure
•
Transfer data between devices
•
Computes and then displays all content seen
on a computer screen
•
Primary circuit board that connects all of the
computer’s components
•
Reads Discs and loads applications,
documents, and media
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hard Drive
Video Card
Optical Drive
Power Supply
Cables
Monitor
IT: Computer Technician: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
10