Elements of a Computer System
Objectives
- Identify input and output devices used with a computer system
- Explain the function of hardware components
- Represent how data flows around a computer system
Starter
You use a range of computer systems in your daily life at school and at home and include desktop computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets. In order for any of these computer systems to do the task you ask it to do (e.g. type a website address) it requires some form of input from an input device. After the computer has received the input it processes it and presents the output to an output device (e.g. monitor). Can you beat all other rows in the classroom? |
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Task 1
You will have watched the following video as a class. Now, create an information leaflet or Microsoft Sway (www.sway.com) to explain the purpose for the following computer hardware components:
After each explanation you should give several examples for each type (except Processor and Main Memory). You could start your explanations with "The purpose of <component> is ...". Your teacher will either instruct you to download the template below or they will have provided you with a printed copy for you to write on. Once you have finished, stick the leaflet in your book. |
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leaflet_template.pub | |
File Size: | 1171 kb |
File Type: | pub |
Challenge: Write a short paragraph to justify which component you think is the most important in a computer system and why.
Support: Use the links below to help you fill in your computer hardware leaflet. You can also use any other source of information.
Support: Use the links below to help you fill in your computer hardware leaflet. You can also use any other source of information.
Task 2
A block diagram is a basic model of a computer system. The model is built from a number of different blocks and each block performs a different task. All blocks work together to process data into information.
Copy and complete the diagram in your books, filling in the boxes with the following words (not in order!):
storage output device processor (CPU) input device main memory
A block diagram is a basic model of a computer system. The model is built from a number of different blocks and each block performs a different task. All blocks work together to process data into information.
Copy and complete the diagram in your books, filling in the boxes with the following words (not in order!):
storage output device processor (CPU) input device main memory
Support and Challenge: Choose your challenge!
Use your new-found knowledge of computer hardware to complete this explanation of the block diagram, for a user creating a word document, in your books. There are three challenges to choose from. Click to download the challenge and complete the explanations in your book, highlighting the bits you've added afterwards:
Use your new-found knowledge of computer hardware to complete this explanation of the block diagram, for a user creating a word document, in your books. There are three challenges to choose from. Click to download the challenge and complete the explanations in your book, highlighting the bits you've added afterwards:
- Gold (click here to download)
- Silver (click here to download)
- Bronze (click here to download)
Plenary: 3,2 and 1
Write down:
Write down:
- 3 hardware components (inc. input and out devices) that were new to you up until today
- 2 things you've learned in today's lesson and...
- 1 question you have to take into next lesson