Lesson Plan
Course Title: Principles of Information Technology
Session Title: Computer Hardware
Lesson Duration: 7 hours
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to identify classes of computers
and the hardware device functions of computers. Students will be able to reference user
manuals for hardware devices.
Specific Objectives:
 Identify classifications of computers
 Identify types and functions of various computer hardware devices
 Interpret the listed specifications of computer systems
Preparation
TEKS Correlations (130.272):
(4) The student demonstrates knowledge of the hardware components associated with
information systems. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the different computer classifications such as minicomputer, mainframe, and
microcomputer;
(B) identify major hardware components and their functions, such as the central
processor unit, input and output peripherals, and storage systems and devices.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Content Developer Knowledge
Instructional Aids:
1. Computer Hardware Presentation
2. Computer Hardware Notes Organizer
3. Computer Hardware Notes Organizer KEY
4. Activity #1- #3 Instruction Sheet
5. Computer Hardware Test
6. Computer Hardware Test Answer Key
Materials Needed:
 Poster-board, glue, markers
 Copies of Notes Organizer, Instruction Sheets, and Test
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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Equipment Needed:
1. Computer and Projector for Presentation
2. Computers for individual student use with Internet access
Learner
Have students look through advertisements for computer systems. Have them pair up and
compare the differences, besides the cost of the systems.
Note: The objective of this exercise is for students to become aware of the many details of a
computer system.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Have you ever wondered what it is that makes your computer work?
SAY: Have you ever gone shopping for a computer but didn’t understand what all
the gigahertz and terabytes terms meant?
SAY: In this unit you will learn about the hardware that makes up the computer and
what those pieces of hardware do to make the computer work for you.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
II.
Instructor Notes:
Students identify classifications of computers
(slides #4 - #6)
Students identify functions of various
computer hardware devices (slides #7-16)
Suggest websites that link to information about
different types of computers.
III.
Students interpret listed specifications of
computer systems
Activity #1: Also listed in guided practice below.
Students will use Internet to locate
information about computer systems and
Instructor should use a
computer and projector to
display the presentation:
Computer Hardware.
Handout the Computer
Hardware Notes Organizer,
1 per student, to aid them in
note taking during your
presentation.
Handout the Activity #1- #2
Instruction sheet, 1 per
student.
Review the instructions for
Activity #1; explain to
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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make a display board
students what you expect to
see on the display board.
Activity #2: Also listed in independent practice below.
Students will use Internet to locate
information about printers for personal use
along with the cost of replacement cartridges.
Tell students to refer back to
the Activity #1- #2 Instruction
sheet.
Review the instructions for
Activity #2; explain to
students what you expect to
see on the display board.
Students will complete the review activity listed below
in the Summary section.
Place the students in pairs
or groups of three for this
activity.
Students will complete the exam activity listed below
in the Evaluation section.
Students will do this
individually.
Answer key provided in
lesson documents.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Activity #1:
Students will research computer systems using the Internet and compare the two
systems by displaying information on a poster-board.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Activity #2:
Activity in which students will use device/user manuals to access information about
various hardware devices and record their answers on a worksheet.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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In pairs, have students ask questions of each other from the lesson note organizers
they filled out at the beginning of the lesson.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Discussion comments during introduction activity
Observation of note-taking during presentation of lesson presentation
Guided practice activity
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Activity #2:
Activity in which students will use device/user manuals to access information about
various hardware devices and record their answers on a worksheet.
TEST: Questions over Computer Classifications and Hardware Functions
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Enrichment #1: Have students find the most expensive personal computer on the
market and list the details of its capabilities.
Enrichment #2: Have students research personal computer capabilities of 5 years
ago and then tell how much these capabilities have changed.
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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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
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NAME
DATE
Computer Hardware
Notes Organizer
Computer Classifications
1. Computer: A collection of __________ such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor
screen, _________ processing hardware, __________ storage and printer,
communicating with each other for data processing purposes.
2. Mainframe: A large computer __________ comprised of __________ pieces of
hardware. It can fill a large room or even a warehouse. Used mostly by large
businesses or __________ that need to process large amounts of data.
3. Microcomputer: Computer system built on a smaller ______ for a single person
use, sometimes referred to as a _____, which stands for Personal Computer.
4. Desktop: A microcomputer that rests on a table or desk and is not meant to be
__________ but to remain at the original place of installation.
5. Laptop: A much smaller __________ of the desktop which incorporates a flatscreen monitor, keyboard, mouse/touchpad, data processor, and memory
storage in a compact case. Also called a __________. Battery operated.
Intended to be portable.
6. Laptop Dock: A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining
permanent connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be
placed on the dock rather than having to reconnect the wires to the printer and
Internet every time it is moved.
Computer Monitor
7. Monitor: A device with a television-type __________ that displays information
relayed from the computer system.
8. CRT Monitor: ____________________. Older version monitor with a depth
dimension about 12” that cause it to take up a lot of space on the desktop
9. LCD Monitor: ____________________. Has a flat-screen appearance with a
depth dimension about 3”.
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10. Computer Keyboard: A device with moveable _______ representing the
__________, numbers, symbols and frequently used commands used to input
data into a computer system.
11. Qwerty Keyboard: A keyboard that arranges the alphabet letters so that the
letters qwerty are arranged in the __________ __________ of the keyboard.
This arrangement was initially designed to keep __________ keys from jamming.
12. Ergonomic Keyboard: Alphabet arrangement similar to the Qwerty keyboard.
The keys for the left hand are __________ from the keys for the right hand to
help prevent hand/wrist/arm __________.
13. Computer Mouse: A device that connects to a computer system that allows the
user to __________ and __________ to select items from the monitor screen.
14. Mechanical: Older version with a __________ __________ inside. Inside has
to be cleaned frequently. Needed a pad on which to roll the rubber ball.
15. Optical: Has a red beam of __________ that is directed out of the bottom of the
mouse. The __________ light bouncing off of the desktop surface is what
causes the mouse to communicate with the computer system.
16. Wireless Devices: A device that runs on __________ and has a transmitter that
communicates with the computer system using an antenna-type receiver. Does
not have a wire connection.
17. Printers: A device that __________ to a computer system that allows the user to
create a __________ of the data displayed on the computer screen.
18. Inkjet Printer: Sprays _______ onto the paper to create text or images. Uses a
lot of ink to create good quality printouts. Is usually slower in printing each page
than a laser printer. Ink cartridge replacements are more __________ than the
printer itself.
19. Laser Printer: A laser shines __________ onto a surface, the surface pulls
__________ onto it in the form of the text or image, then it is __________ onto
the paper. More expensive than inkjet printers.
20. Motherboard: A device that is __________ the case of the computer. It is a flat,
thin __________ with __________ welded on it. It has __________ to all the
other devices that are inside the computer system. It has connections to all the
devices that are externally connected to the computer system. Contains the
__________ chip and __________ chip.
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21. CPU: Central __________ Unit – a silicon chip. Chip that transfers or processes
ALL the __________ /information from one device to the other. Speed or
processing time of the chip is measured in __________. The latest and fastest
cpu currently available is the ____________.
22. ROM: __________ Only Memory – a silicon chip. Information placed there at
manufacture of motherboard is __________ information only. Information can
__________ be changed at a later date. Chip that contains the __________ -up
instructions of the computer.
23. Hard disc drive: Also called hard drive. Device __________ the computer case.
Is connected to the __________. Contains a stack of discs that __________
rapidly when functioning. The __________ __________ software (Windows or
MAC) is stored in the memory of the hard drive. Contains memory storage to
save _______ to. Measured in memory/ bytes and speed/rpm. Common
systems have memory/ ______________ and speed _____________.
24. A user can also purchase hard drives that can connect externally/ USB port to
the computer system
25. RAM: __________ __________ Memory. A small circuit board containing
silicon chips. This board fits into slots on the motherboard. A computer system
can have more than 1 RAM card. RAM is measured in: speed ____________
and memory space ____________. Current systems usually have 4GB.
26. This is __________ memory that holds the document you are currently working
on. When the power to the computer or the program you are using shuts off,
everything stored in RAM __________.
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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NAME
DATE
Computer Hardware
Notes Organizer – KEY
Computer Classifications
1. Computer: A collection of devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor screen,
data processing hardware, memory storage and printer, communicating with
each other for data processing purposes.
2. Mainframe: A large computer system comprised of several pieces of hardware. It
can fill a large room or even a warehouse. Used mostly by large businesses or
corporations that need to process large amounts of data.
3. Microcomputer: Computer system built on a smaller scale for single person use,
sometimes referred to as a PC, which stands for Personal Computer.
4. Desktop: A microcomputer that rests on a table or desk and is not meant to be
portable but to remain at the original place of installation.
5. Laptop: A much smaller version of the desktop which incorporates a flat-screen
monitor, keyboard, mouse/touchpad, data processor, and memory storage in a
compact case. Also called a notebook. Battery operated. Intended to be
portable.
6. Laptop Dock: A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining
permanent connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be
placed on the dock rather than having to reconnect the wires to the printer and
Internet every time it is moved.
Computer Monitor
7. Monitor: A device with a television-type screen that displays information relayed
from the computer system.
8. CRT Monitor: Cathode Ray Tube. Older version monitor with a depth dimension
about 12” that cause it to take up a lot of space on the desktop.
9. LCD Monitor: Liquid Crystal Display. Has a flat-screen appearance with a depth
dimension about 3”.
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10. Computer Keyboard: A device with moveable keys representing the alphabet,
numbers, symbols and frequently used commands used to input data into a
computer system.
11. Qwerty Keyboard: A keyboard that arranges the alphabet letters so that the
letters qwerty are arranged in the upper left of the keyboard. This arrangement
was initially designed to keep typewriter keys from jamming.
12. Ergonomic Keyboard: Alphabet arrangement similar to the Qwerty keyboard.
The keys for the left hand are separated from the keys for the right hand to help
prevent hand/wrist/arm cramps.
13. Computer Mouse: A device that connects to a computer system that allows the
user to point and click to select items from the monitor screen.
14. Mechanical: Older version with a rubber ball inside. Inside has to be cleaned
frequently. Needed a pad on which to roll the rubber ball.
15. Optical: Has a red beam of light that is directed out of the bottom of the mouse.
The reflected light bouncing off of the desktop surface is what causes the mouse
to communicate with the computer system.
16. Wireless Devices: A device that runs on batteries and has a transmitter that
communicates with the computer system using an antenna-type receiver. Does
not have a wire connection.
17. Printers: A device that connects to a computer system that allows the user to
create a hardcopy of the data displayed on the computer screen.
18. Inkjet Printer: Sprays ink onto the paper to create text or images. Uses a lot of
ink to create good quality printouts. Is usually slower in printing each page than
a laser printer. Ink cartridge replacements are more expensive than the printer
itself.
19. Laser Printer: A laser shines light onto a surface, the surface pulls toner onto it in
the form of the text or image, then it is heated onto the paper. More expensive
than inkjet printers.
20. Motherboard: A device that is inside the case of the computer. It is a flat, thin
board with circuits welded on it. It has connections to all the other devices that
are inside the computer system. It has connections to all the devices that are
externally connected to the computer system. Contains the CPU chip and ROM
chip.
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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21. CPU: Central Processing Unit – a silicon chip. Chip that transfers or processes
ALL the data/information from one device to the other. Speed or processing time
of the chip is measured in hertz. The latest and fastest cpu currently available is
the Intel i7.
22. ROM: Read Only Memory – a silicon chip. Information placed there at
manufacture of motherboard is Readable information only. Information can not
be changed at a later date. Chip that contains the boot-up instructions of the
computer.
23. Hard disc drive: Also called hard drive. Device inside the computer case. Is
connected to the motherboard. Contains a stack of discs that spin rapidly when
functioning. The operating system software (Windows or MAC) is stored in the
memory of the hard drive. Contains memory storage to save files to. Measured
in memory/ bytes and speed/rpm. Common systems have memory/ 3 Terabytes
and speed 7200 rpm.
24. A user can also purchase hard drives that can connect externally/ USB port to
the computer system.
25. RAM: Random Access Memory. A small circuit board containing silicon chips.
This board fits into slots on the motherboard. A computer system can have more
than 1 RAM card. RAM is measured in: speed (hertz) and memory space
(bytes). Current systems usually have 4GB.
26. This is temporary memory that holds the document you are currently working on.
When the power to the computer or the program you are using shuts off,
everything stored in RAM disappears.
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
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Computer Hardware
Activity #1 - #2 Instructions
Activity #1: Computer System Poster
1. Using the Internet, look up various computer systems on popular electronicsselling websites.
2. Find two different computer systems that you wouldn’t mind having for your own
personal use.
3. Print out a 2 pictures, one of each system.
4. Using a poster-board or display board, divide the poster/display into two equal
sections.
5. Glue a picture in each section.
6. Also, list the system specifications in the section with the picture.
7. Be sure to include: monitor type & screen size; RAM, CPU, number of USB ports,
hard drive capacity; operating system, and any software that comes preloaded.
8. List the prices of each computer system.
9. Draw a big arrow, or circle the side, to indicate which computer system you like
best. Write on the poster board two reasons why you prefer one over the other.
Computer Hardware Poster Grading Rubric
Requirement
Information mounted on a poster board or display board
Board is clearly divided into two equal sections
2 different pictures of computer systems are mounted on board
in separate sections (5 pts each)
Full list of computer system specifications are listed in the
section with the picture of that system (15 pts each)
Price of each system is listed in the section of that system (5 pts
each)
Indication is made as to which system is preferred by the
student
2 valid reasons are given as to why the student would prefer the
indicated computer system (11 pts each)
All website addresses are listed as sources for information
Total Possible
Points
Earned
6
4
10
30
10
6
22
12
100
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Activity #2: Researching Printers
1. Using the Internet, look up various types of color printers for personal/home use.
2. Find an inkjet printer and a laser printer.
3. Using desktop publishing software, create a flyer that compares the two printers,
listing the capabilities, speed, paper tray capacity, cost of printer, cost of
replacement cartridges, and average number of printouts per cartridge.
4. Be sure to insert pictures of both printers with their respective prices.
5. Indicate which printer you would prefer and why.
6. Be sure to copy down the websites used for information in bottom section of flyer.
Printer Comparison Flyer Grading Rubric
Requirement
Information displayed on a flyer-style of document
Flyer is clearly divided into two equal sections
A picture of a color inkjet printer is displayed
A picture of a color laser printer is displayed
Full list of printer specifications is provided in the sections with
the picture of each printer (12 pts each)
Price of each computer is listed in the section with that printer (5
pts each)
Indication is made as to which printer is preferred by the student
2 valid reasons are given as to why the student would prefer the
indicated printer (11 pts each)
All website addresses are listed as sources for information
Total Possible
Points
Earned
6
4
8
8
24
10
6
22
12
100
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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NAME
DATE
Computer Hardware
TEST
Instructions: Read each question below. Decide which option best answers the
question and write the letter that precedes that answer in the blank to the left of
question.
1.
Two types of printers are:
A. CRT and LCD
B. Laser and inkjet
C. Mechanical and Optical
D. RAM and ROM
2.
The device that contains the operating system
A. Hard disc drive
B. Cathode Ray Tube
C. Mechanical Laser
D. Qwerty memory chip
3.
ROM is:
A. Read Only Memory
B. A chip that contains boot-up instructions
C. A chip whose information remains in memory even when computer is
powered off
D. All the above
4.
A computer system is:
A. A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining permanent
connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be placed
on it
B. A collection of devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor screen, and
memory, used for data processing purposes
C. Cathode Ray Tube
D. A Qwerty Keyboard and Optical Mouse
5.
Processing speed is measured in:
A. Inches
B. Bytes
C. Hertz
D. All the above
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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6.
The initials PC stand for:
A. Particle Computing
B. Quantum Physical Connections
C. Particle Cables
D. Personal Computer
7.
RAM is:
A. Read around memory
B. Temporary memory
C. Has optical connections
D. Both A and B
8.
The motherboard is:
A. A computer without an operating system
B. A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining permanent
connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be placed
on it
C. A circuit board inside the computer that is connected to all the other
computer system devices
D. A Qwerty Keyboard and Optical Mouse
9.
Wireless components are powered by:
A. Solar
B. Batteries
C. Electrical outlets
D. Antennas
10. The initials CPU stand for:
A. Central Processing Unit
B. Control Paper Uptake
C. Counter Productive Unit
D. Counter Paper Uptake
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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Computer Hardware
TEST
ANSWER KEY
Instructions: Read each question below. Decide which option best answers the
question and write the letter that precedes that answer in the blank to the left of
question.
B
1.
Two types of printers are:
A. CRT and LCD
B. Laser and inkjet
C. Mechanical and Optical
D. RAM and ROM
A
2.
The device that contains the operating system
A. Hard disc drive
B. Cathode Ray Tube
C. Mechanical Laser
D. Qwerty memory chip
D
3.
ROM is:
A. Read Only Memory
B. A chip that contains boot-up instructions
C. A chip whose information remains in memory even when computer is
powered off
D. All the above
B
4.
A computer system is:
A. A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining permanent
connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be placed
on it
B. A collection of devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor screen, and
memory, used for data processing purposes
C. Cathode Ray Tube
D. A Qwerty Keyboard and Optical Mouse
C
5.
Processing speed is measured in:
A. Inches
B. Bytes
C. Hertz
D. All of the above
IT: Principles of Information Technology: Computer Hardware Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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D
6.
The initials PC stand for:
A. Particle Computing
B. Quantum Physical Connections
C. Particle Cable
D. Personal Computer
B
7.
RAM is:
A. Read around memory
B. Temporary memory
C. Has optical connections
D. Both A and B
C
8.
The motherboard is:
A. A computer without an operating system
B. A device built to reside on the desktop area, maintaining permanent
connections to the printer and Internet, so that a laptop can just be placed
on it
C. A circuit board inside the computer that is connected to all the other
computer system devices
D. A Qwerty Keyboard and Optical Mouse
B
9.
Wireless components are powered by:
A. Solar
B. Batteries
C. Electrical outlets
D. Antennas
A
10. The initials CPU stand for:
A. Central Processing Unit
B. Control Paper Uptake
C. Counter Productive Unit
D. Counter Paper Uptake
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013
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