Classification and Components of Computer Hardware

Subject: Information Technology
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 14-16 years
Topic: Hardware
Sub-topic: Classification and Components of Computer Hardware
Duration: 80 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

Define and explain the term system unit.
Identify the major components of the system unit.
Explain what peripherals are and classify them into input, output, and storage devices.

Keywords

System Unit
Peripherals
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices

Set Induction

Introduce the lesson by asking students to name different parts of a computer they have seen or used. Then, discuss how these parts work together to make a computer functional.

Entry Behavior

Students have a general understanding of basic computer parts but may not be familiar with the classification of hardware components.

Learning Resources and Materials

Diagrams and labeled images of computer components.
Physical hardware examples like keyboards, mice, and USB drives.
Multimedia presentation on types of hardware.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students know basic computer parts, which can be connected to their understanding of input and output functions.

Embedded Core Skills

Analytical Thinking: Identifying and categorizing various hardware components.
Communication: Discussing and describing different computer hardware functions.

Learning Materials

Lagos State Scheme of Work
Standard IT Textbooks for SS1
Trusted online resources (see embedded links)

Reference Books

Lagos State Unified Schemes of Work for Senior Secondary Schools
Comprehensive IT textbooks for SS1

Instructional Materials

Labeled computer hardware components
A dismantled CPU or system unit showing parts inside
Projector for visual aid

Content Outline

Classification of Hardware
- Hardware is the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen.
- It is classified into System Unit, Peripherals, Input Devices, Output Devices, and Storage Devices.
- For a deeper explanation of hardware components, visit Techopedia.
System Unit
- The system unit is the core part of a computer where processing occurs. It contains:
  - Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer that performs all processing tasks.
  - Motherboard: Holds the CPU, memory, and other components.
  - Power Supply Unit: Provides electrical power to the system.
  - RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for active tasks.
- For a detailed overview of the system unit and its components, check Computer Hope.
Peripherals
- Peripherals are devices that connect to the system unit to expand its functionality. They are classified into:
  - Input Devices: Devices used to enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, webcam).
  - Output Devices: Devices that display or output data (e.g., monitor, printer).
  - Storage Devices: Devices that store data (e.g., hard disk, flash drive).
Input Devices
- Keyboard: Allows typing of data and commands.
- Mouse: Used for selecting and interacting with items on the screen.
- Webcam: Captures live video and images for online streaming or video calls.
- Remote Control: Used to control devices wirelessly, often in multimedia setups.
Output Devices
- Monitor: Displays images, text, and videos.
- Printer: Produces hard copies of digital documents and images.
Storage Devices
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Main storage component, used for long-term data storage.
- Floppy Disk: An older, portable storage device with limited capacity.
- Compact Disk (CD): Optical storage used for storing music, software, and other data.

Objective Questions

The core part of a computer system that holds the CPU is known as the _______.
a) system unit b) input device c) output device d) storage device
Which of these is NOT a component of the system unit?
a) Monitor b) CPU c) RAM d) Motherboard
The main function of the CPU is to _______.
a) store data b) process data c) display data d) print data
The _______ is an input device used for typing.
a) mouse b) printer c) keyboard d) monitor
The power supply unit provides _______ to the system.
a) data b) storage c) electricity d) graphics
A device that outputs data in printed form is the _______.
a) monitor b) keyboard c) printer d) mouse
An example of a storage device is the _______.
a) RAM b) CD c) monitor d) webcam
Which device is commonly used to capture video for video calls?
a) Printer b) Webcam c) Floppy Disk d) Power Supply
The motherboard houses _______.
a) CPU and RAM b) printer and monitor c) keyboard and mouse d) power supply
Which component temporarily stores active data for processing?
a) Motherboard b) Hard Disk c) RAM d) CPU
The abacus is a/an _______ device.
a) input b) output c) storage d) none of the above
A USB drive is classified as a _______ device.
a) system b) input c) output d) storage
The device used for pointing and selecting on a computer is the _______.
a) keyboard b) printer c) mouse d) webcam
The monitor is an example of an _______ device.
a) output b) input c) storage d) processing
The compact disk (CD) is used for _______.
a) displaying graphics b) storing data c) processing data d) supplying power

Class Activity Discussion

What is hardware?
- Physical components of a computer that we can touch and see.
Can you name the main parts of the system unit?
- CPU, motherboard, power supply, and RAM.
What is a peripheral?
- An external device that connects to the system unit, such as input, output, or storage devices.
Give examples of input devices.
- Keyboard, mouse, and webcam.
What is the function of the CPU?
- It processes all instructions and data in the computer.
Identify two types of output devices.
- Monitor and printer.
What is the difference between input and output devices?
- Input devices send data to the computer, while output devices display or print data.
Why is RAM important?
- It temporarily stores active data for quick access by the CPU.
Give an example of a storage device.
- Hard disk, CD, or USB drive.
What is the role of the power supply unit?
- To provide electrical power to the computer.
How is a USB drive different from a hard disk?
- USB drives are portable, while hard disks are usually inside the system unit.
What device would you use to scan documents?
- A scanner, which is an input device.
Can you list two types of storage devices?
- Hard disk and compact disk (CD).
What device allows you to interact with the screen?
- A mouse.
What is the function of a printer?
- To produce physical copies of documents.

Evaluation Questions

The main component that executes instructions in the computer is the _______.
a) monitor b) CPU c) RAM d) keyboard
Which device would you use to view images on a computer?
a) Hard disk b) Monitor c) Keyboard d) Mouse
A keyboard is classified as an _______ device.
a) output b) input c) storage d) system
The motherboard is located inside the _______.
a) printer b) monitor c) system unit d) hard disk
Devices like USB drives and CDs are examples of _______ devices.
a) input b) output c) storage d) processing
The unit responsible for generating printed copies is called the _______.
a) keyboard b) printer c) monitor d) hard disk
The component that holds active memory for quick access is the _______.
a) CPU b) RAM c) CD d) USB
Which of the following is a peripheral device?
a) Motherboard b) CPU c) Printer d) Power supply
A floppy disk is a type of _______ device.
a) storage b) input c) output d) system
The system unit typically houses the _______.
a) printer and monitor b) CPU and motherboard c) keyboard and mouse d) monitor and hard disk

Conclusion

The teacher reviews the types of hardware components and their functions, answering any remaining questions and reinforcing key terms.