Parts of the Computer Unit (lam-ictx.weebly.com/computer-parts.html)
In this unit, we will be "exploring" the basic parts of a computer. As all of you have very different levels of knowledge as your starting point and different interest levels, there will be a lot of flexibility in this unit in terms of the content included in your project and how your knowledge is demonstrated.
Most parts will fall into the following categories:
Approach 1: Generalist - the BasicsWithin your project, you should demonstrate your understanding of the basic parts of the computer:
Approach 2: SpecialistWhen taking this approach, I assume that prior to the start of this assignment you already had a good knowledge of the basic parts of the computer in terms of identifying them and understanding their function.
The goal here is to choose a type of hardware that you really want to explore in detail.
For example:
Assignment Ideas include:
In this unit, we will be "exploring" the basic parts of a computer. As all of you have very different levels of knowledge as your starting point and different interest levels, there will be a lot of flexibility in this unit in terms of the content included in your project and how your knowledge is demonstrated.
Most parts will fall into the following categories:
- Input / Output Devices
- Processors - Do Work
- Memory - Short Term and Long Term
- Hard Drives and Removable Storage
Approach 1: Generalist - the BasicsWithin your project, you should demonstrate your understanding of the basic parts of the computer:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Motherboard
- RAM (Random Access Memory)
- ROM (Read Only Memory)
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
- Storage (Hard disk drive)
- Video/Graphics card
- Case
- Power supply and Fan
- Video Monitor / Display
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Operating system
- Sound Card
- Network Card
- USB Card (Universal Serial Bus)
- PCI Expansion Port
- Flash Memory
- Scanner
- Digital Camera
- Web Cam
- Card Reader
- CD/DVD burner (Optical drive)
- know difference between CD ROM \ DVD ROM and CD RW \ DVD RW
Approach 2: SpecialistWhen taking this approach, I assume that prior to the start of this assignment you already had a good knowledge of the basic parts of the computer in terms of identifying them and understanding their function.
The goal here is to choose a type of hardware that you really want to explore in detail.
For example:
- Examining memory and storage
- Short term verses long term
- ROM vs. RAM
- BIOS
- Types of storage devices and how they work
- Disk drive verses solid state drive
Assignment Ideas include:
- The simple chart or document that outlines specific parts
- Part name, picture, description or details
- Pretend you are a graphic designer/writer for a computer magazine. Create a brochure that showcases your knowledge of the parts of a computer or provides a guide that will help people buy a computer
- Compare and contrast pricing of building your own PC vs. buying one prebuilt
- Scenarios / different builds of computers for different budgets or uses:
- basic home user
- gaming
- video editing or photographer
- Idiots Guide to Buying a Computer
- Video or Podcast
- a guided tour of the insides / parts of a computer system
- episode showcasing tips to consider when buying a computer
- Computer dissection - take a computer a part and present your findings
- could be picture display
- strings and labels
- Video tour
- Pimp Your Computer
- Assuming money is no object, what extra peripherals or features could you add to your computer