Understanding Hardware Components of a Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes
Week 3: Hardware Components

Subject: Computer Studies

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Age: 12 – 13 years

Topic: Hardware Components

Sub-topics:

• Definition of Hardware Components
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit
• Control Unit

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives: By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define hardware components of a computer.
2. Identify different input, output, and storage devices.
3. Explain the functions of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU).
4. Differentiate between input, output, and storage devices.

Keywords:

• Hardware
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
• Control Unit (CU)

Set Induction:

The teacher will display different hardware components such as a keyboard, monitor, and storage device and ask the students if they can identify each one. This will prompt them to think about the different parts of a computer.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should already know the basic parts of a computer (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Computer system
• Projector
• Physical input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer)
• Charts showing the parts of a computer

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have been introduced to the definition of a computer and the main functions it performs. They can recognize some computer hardware like a mouse, keyboard, and monitor from previous lessons.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Observation
• Communication

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Computer hardware (physical or images)
• Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

• Pictures or actual devices (keyboard, monitor, CPU, hard drive)
• Charts showing components inside the CPU
• Projector for visual aids

Content:

1. Definition of Hardware Components:
   Hardware components are the physical parts of a computer system that you can touch and see. They make up the computer’s body and include devices used for input, output, processing, and storage.
2. Input Devices:
   These are devices used to input data into the computer. Examples include:
   • Keyboard: Used to type data into the computer.
   • Mouse: Used to control the pointer and select items.
   • Scanner: Converts hardcopy documents into digital form.
3. Output Devices:
   Output devices are used to display or produce the results of data processed by the computer. Examples include:
   • Monitor: Displays output visually on a screen.
   • Printer: Produces a hardcopy of output on paper.
   • Speakers: Produce sound output from the computer.
4. Storage Devices:
   Storage devices are used to store data permanently or temporarily. Examples include:
   • Hard Drive: Stores large amounts of data permanently.
   • USB Flash Drive: A portable storage device.
   • CD/DVD: Optical storage media for storing data.
5. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
   The ALU is responsible for performing all mathematical calculations and logical operations in the computer. For example, it performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, and logical operations like comparing values.
6. Control Unit (CU):
   The control unit directs and coordinates the activities of the computer by interpreting instructions from programs and telling other components what to do. It ensures that tasks are carried out in the right order and at the right time.

Evaluation:

1. The physical parts of a computer are called __________.
   a) Software
   b) Hardware
   c) Applications
   d) Files
2. A device used to type data into the computer is called a __________.
   a) Monitor
   b) Mouse
   c) Keyboard
   d) Printer
3. A __________ is used to display output visually on a screen.
   a) Monitor
   b) Mouse
   c) Keyboard
   d) Printer
4. The unit responsible for mathematical calculations is the __________.
   a) Control Unit
   b) Input Unit
   c) ALU
   d) Output Unit
5. A storage device that can be carried around is called a __________.
   a) Hard Drive
   b) USB Flash Drive
   c) CD
   d) Monitor
6. The __________ interprets and directs activities in the computer.
   a) ALU
   b) CPU
   c) Control Unit
   d) Printer
7. A __________ is used to convert hardcopy documents into digital form.
   a) Keyboard
   b) Scanner
   c) Monitor
   d) Printer
8. __________ devices are used to enter data into a computer.
   a) Input
   b) Output
   c) Storage
   d) Processing
9. A __________ is an example of an output device.
   a) Monitor
   b) Mouse
   c) Keyboard
   d) Scanner
10. The control unit is part of the __________.
    a) Monitor
    b) CPU
    c) USB
    d) Printer

Class Activity Discussion

1. What are hardware components?
   • The physical parts of a computer.
2. What are input devices?
   • Devices used to input data into the computer.
3. Name three examples of input devices.
   • Keyboard, mouse, scanner.
4. What are output devices?
   • Devices used to display or produce results.
5. Give two examples of output devices.
   • Monitor, printer.
6. What are storage devices used for?
   • They are used to store data.
7. Give two examples of storage devices.
   • Hard drive, USB flash drive.
8. What does the ALU do?
   • It performs calculations and logical operations.
9. What is the role of the control unit?
   • It coordinates and controls the activities of the computer.
10. What device converts paper documents into digital form?
    • Scanner.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous lesson.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the topic “Hardware Components” and explains each component using examples.

Step 3: The teacher shows pictures or physical devices (keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc.) to help students identify hardware components.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Show physical or visual examples of hardware components.
• Explain the functions of input, output, storage devices, ALU, and CU.
• Ask students to identify devices shown in class.

• The computer hardware:

  Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. This includes

  • The input devices
  • output devices,
  • storage devices,
  • arithmetic and logic units,
  • and control units.

  The input devices

  These devices are used to send input, instructions, and data to the computer system.

  Input devices are used to input data or instructions into a computer. Common input devices include

  • keyboards,
  • mice,
  • trackballs,
  • touchpads,
  • Scanners
  • digital cameras,
  • and joysticks.

  The output devices

  These devices display instructions and output in a user-friendly mode or manner. Output devices are used to output data or instructions from a computer. Common output devices include

  • monitors
  • printers, and
  • speakers

  The storage devices:

  Storage is necessary for future reference. Process data that has been converted to useful information needs to be stored. Storage devices are used for such purposes. Storage devices are used to store data or instructions on a computer. Common storage devices include

  • hard drives
  • solid state drives.
  • and optical drives.
  • memory cards
  • flash drives

  The arithmetic and logic units

  Arithmetic and logic units are used to perform arithmetic and logic operations on data. Arithmetic operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Logic operations include

  • AND,
  • OR,
  • NOT,
  • and XOR.

  The control units:

  Control units are used to control the fetching, decoding, and execution of instructions. The control unit fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them.

  The control unit is also responsible for managing interruptions. Interrupts are signals that indicate that an event has occurred that needs attention. Common events that generate interruptions include input/output operations, timer events, and memory errors.

  Computer hardware is an important part of any computer system. By understanding the different components of computer hardware, you can better understand how a computer works.

Learners’ Activities:

• Observe the examples of hardware components.
• Participate in identifying and categorizing hardware devices.
• Ask questions for clarity.

Assessment:

1. What are hardware components?
2. Mention two examples of input devices.
3. What is the function of the ALU?
4. Define output devices with two examples.
5. What is a storage device?

Evaluation

1. What is computer hardware?
2. Mention the six division of the computer systems
3. What are input devices?
4. Mention four input devices
5. What are output devices?
6. Mention four output devices
7. What are storage devices?
8. Mention two storage devices
9. What functions do the arithmetic and logic unit of the computer system do? Mention two of such functions
10. Define control units

Conclusion:

The teacher will go around the class, mark students’ answers, and provide corrections where necessary. The class will end with a recap of the main points.

More Useful Links

• Types of Computer Software Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Peopleware: The Human Element of Computing Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Understanding Operating Systems: The Heart of Computer Management Computer Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6