Activity 2: Computer Components and Peripherals
Unit Description
Working in small groups, students examine components and peripherals of a computer system. They then
compile appropriate information in an electronic database and develop a glossary of terms. The students
develop thinking and problem-solving skills by identifying the function and interaction of components
and peripherals. They also define the four functions of a computer: input, processing, output, and storage
and identify the hardware components related to the four functions.
Websites
How Things Work - http://www.howthingswork.com
ABRA Electronics - http://www.abra-electronics.com
Operation of computer and components - http://www.karbosguide.com/index2.htm
Appendix 1.1.1
Criteria
Knowledge/
Understanding
Application
Terminology
Knowledge/
Understanding
Internal
components
Knowledge/
Understanding
Communication
External
components
Knowledge/
Understanding
Peripherals
Level 1
(50-59%)
- limited use of
appropriate
terminology to
identify functions
and interaction of
the components
- limited ability to
identify and
describe the
function and
interactions of
micro computer
components
- limited ability to
identify and
describe the
function and
interactions of
external
components
- limited ability to
identify and
describe the
function and
interaction of
some of peripheral
components
Level 2
(60-69%)
- uses appropriate
terminology to
identify functions
and interaction of
the components
- identifies and
describes the
function and
interactions of
micro computer
components
- identifies and
describes the
function and
interactions of
some external
components
- identifies and
describes the
function and
interactions of
some peripheral
components
Level 3
(70-79%)
- consistently uses
appropriate
terminology to
identify functions
and interaction of
basic components
- usually identifies
and describes the
function and
interactions of
micro computer
components
Level 4
(80-100%)
- uses appropriate
terminology to
identify functions
and interaction of
the components
- consistently
identifies and
describes the
function and
interactions of
micro computer
components
- usually identifies - consistently
and describes the
identifies and
function and
describes the
interactions of
function and
external
interactions of
components
external
components
- usually identifies - consistently
and describes the
identifies and
function and
describes the
interactions of
function and
peripheral
interactions of
components
some peripheral
components
Criteria
Knowledge/
Understanding
Application
Safety
Level 1
(50-59%)
- limited following
of recognized
safety procedures
when working
with electrical
current
- limited
application of
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
Level 2
(60-69%)
- follows some
recognized safety
procedures when
working with
electrical current
Level 3
(70-79%)
- usually follows
recognized safety
procedures when
working with
electrical current
Level 4
(80-100%)
- recommends
procedures to
ensure safe
working
conditions
- sometimes
applies
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
- usually applies
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
- limited use of
specific tools for
tasks
- sometimes uses
specific tools for
tasks
- usually uses
specific tools for
tasks
- recommends
methods to ensure
safe dissipation of
static electricity
(e.g., grounding
mats)
- recommends
alternative
methods of
assembly/
disassembly that
address safety
considerations
Appendix
Computer Safety Worksheet
1. What tools should you have on your worktable before beginning to work on any computer?
2. What characteristic should a tool not have when working on a computer?
3. What special process is required before handling electronic circuit boards or ICs?
4. What type of footwear is most suitable when working on a computer?
5. What type of clothing must be avoided when working on a computer?
6. Describe how electronic devices and computer circuit boards must be handled.
7. Name two special considerations when choosing cleaning agents for computer components.
8. Why is it important not to eat or drink in the computer lab?
9. What is the procedure to follow if chemicals get into your eyes?
10. Why is it always important to record settings and configurations before changing them?
11. Explain how you would ‘backup’ a file. Why is that important? How would you create a ‘backup’?
Sample Glossary of Terms Table
Term
motherboard
BIOS
CPU
RAM
Explanation
Rubric to assess terminology, disassembly/assembly, and safety
Criteria
Application
Terminology
Application
Disassembly/
assembly
Application
Safety
Level 1
(50-59%)
- limited use of
appropriate
terminology to
identify
components and
their function
- limited ability to
identify compatible
components and
peripherals
Level 2
(60-69%)
- usually uses
appropriate
terminology to
identify some types
of components and
their function
- correctly
identifies some
components
Level 3
(70-79%)
- consistently uses
appropriate
terminology to
identify basic
components and
their function
- consistently
identifies most
compatible
components and
peripherals
Level 4
(80-100%)
- uses appropriate
terminology to
identify all
components and
peripherals and
their function
- identifies all
compatible
components and
peripherals
- limited ability to
install compatible
components and
peripherals
- correctly installs
some components
- installs all
compatible
components and
peripherals
- limited safety
procedures
followed when
working with
electrical current
- follows some
recognized safety
procedures when
working with
electrical current
- consistently
installs most
compatible
components and
peripherals
- usually follows
recognized safety
procedures when
working with
electrical current
- limited
application of
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
- applies some
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
- usually applies
appropriate
methods to ensure
grounding
- consistently
follows safe
grounding methods
- consistently
follows safety
procedures
- limited use of
- sometimes uses
- usually uses
- consistently uses
specific tools for
specific tools for
specific tools for
specific tools for
tasks
tasks
tasks
tasks
Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this
assignment or activity.
Appendix
Computer disassembly log sheet
Entries in the Image (Drawing) column may be neatly hand drawn or cropped/copied/pasted from the
motherboard worksheet in Appendix 1.2.5.
Component
Label or
Location
Orientation
Connections
Image
Identification (in case or mb) (ICs, cables, etc) (to other parts) (Drawing)
Appendix
Hard Drive Glossary of Terms
Terms
Access Time
Boot Record
Cluster
Cylinder
Data Area
Data Transfer Rate
Directory
ESDI
FAT
Formatting
Hard Disk
IDE
Land
Magnetic Storage
Pit
Read/Write Head
Sector
Track
Definition
Sample Glossary of Terms
CACHE: Cache is another type of memory kindred to RAM. Cache is used by the computer to quickly
move data between the RAM and the CPU.
CD-ROM DRIVE: Most new computers now come with a CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM drive reads data
from a disc. These CDs look like a music CD, but hold data instead of music. CD-ROMs also contain
games, dictionaries, recipe files... the list is endless.
CPU: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer. Most new Windows based
programs use a Pentium processor, and MAC computers use Power Mac processors.
HARD DRIVE: The hard drive also is called the hard disk. You’ll probably never see it because it is
nestled inside your computer. It’s the computer’s electronic filling cabinet, and it stores the computer’s
operating system, files, programs and documents. Hard drive capacity now range up to 20 Gigabytes
KEYBOARD: Just like a typewriter keyboard, this device is the primary way of inputting data into many
programs.
MEMORY: This is the circuitry or device that holds information in an electrical or magnetic form. There
is read-only memory (ROM), which is information stored on a manufacturer supplied IC, and randomaccess memory (RAM), which is chip-based storage inside the computer. Memory is measured in
Megabytes (MBs).
MONITOR: An output device that allows you to see what you are doing. Most computers come with 14
or 15-inch monitors. This size is good for most people’s needs. Larger 17- or 21-inch monitors also are
available, but may cost more.
MOTHERBOARD: The motherboard is the circuit board that everything in the computer plugs into. The
CPU, RAM and caps all plug into the motherboard.
MOUSE: The mouse is another input device that makes getting around in your computer easier. It is a
handheld object that is good for doing tasks such as moving and pointing to objects on the screen, and can
replace the function and control keys of the keyboard.
RAM: Computers save data in two ways: on the hard drive and in random access memory (RAM) or
internal memory. New computer buyers should look for models with at least 16 MBs of RAM (or more,
depending on what types of programs you’ll be running). Make sure that the computer can be upgraded.
SOUND CARD: This device allows your computer to reproduce music, sounds, and voices. Make sure
you have a sound card if you’re planning to play multimedia games.
VIDEO CARD: The video card is the part of the computer that sends the images to the monitor.
Appendix 1.2.4
Quiz
1. What do the following acronyms or words stand for?
(a) CPU
(b) ROM
(c) CMOS
(d) BIOS
(g) CD-ROM (h) HEX
(i) Byte
(j) IDE
(m) SDRAM (n) DIP
(o) PCI
(p) AGP
(e) Mbyte
(k) SCSI
(q) ISA
(f) HD
(l) UDAM
(r) Bus
2. Label the parts of the hard drive. Include hidden parts beneath the elements that are visible.
3. Provide a simple block diagram for a computer. List some common computer parts under each block
you show.