LESSON PLAN

General Information
Instructor:

Lesson:
Structure and Components of PC
Time:
1 hour

Course:
Computers 1: Hardware1000
Unit:
Next Lesson:
Hardware Components
Detailed notes of all components essential to PC
Safety Notes:
Risk of electric shock, user should always unplug power supply before opening case, or
connecting/disconnecting cables at rear of machine
Lesson Focus
Learning Goal:
Identify the structure and basic components of a desktop system
Specific Learning Goals:
1. Identify key components of a desktop system
2. Identify components by outlining briefly the definitions of each part
3. Identify internal pieces (practical)
4. Compose a basic diagram of inside pieces, along with definitions included
Rationale:
Students will become familiar with the inside components of a desktop system. They will
begin to explain how each piece works by provided definitions. They will than work hands on
with the inside components, while being supervised. A diagram to efficiently describe the
internal workings of a PC will then be completed along with definitions provided.
Required Materials
Handouts:
Wiki example regarding personal computer hardware
Possible video at end of class if time permits (5 mins)
Presentation Materials:
Board drawing
Board demonstration and naming of components
Resource:
Personal Computer Hardware at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware
Basic Hardware Glossary at http://www.basichardware.com/glossary.html
Learn what components are inside your PC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sHAYDFdNE8
Technology:
Computer tower
Casing will be removed to reveal internal components
Lesson Outline
Guiding Questions:
1. What is a PC?
2. What are components that make up a system? (external, internal)
3. Define/Describe components discussed
4. What does a system look like internally?

5. What should my diagram be comprised of?

Focusing Event:
On a whiteboard/chalk board, split the board into two components and write Internal on one
side and External on the other. Get the students one by one to give you a component of a
PC, whether it be internal or external. When the list is comprised, draw on the board
(roughly) what a PC contains. Monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, tower.
Lesson Activities:
1. Lecture-Demonstration:
T uses board to see what the Ss know about basic components of PC system, as
mentioned above
Ss participate by contributing their input on internal/external PC components, while T
write on board
2. Pair Work:
Ss will be paired with a partner to take casing off of PC
Ss will quiz each other on components, take notes, draw diagrams
3. Class Discussion:
After Ss put casing back on PC, T will ask if there are any questions
T will also inquire if in the beginning while on the board, if we missed any
components
4. Individual Work:
Ss will complete definitions of 5 internal components, 5 external components on their
own, and memorize for quiz
Ss will hand in definitions next class
Lesson Closure:
Show glossary webpage on Hardware components
Show youtube video if there is sufficient time
Challenge students to pick 5 internal, 5 external components, include picture and
reference to what component do for memorization (quiz)
Opportunity for Independent Practice:
1. Identify definitions/functionality of components written on board (required)
2. Students will than identify 5 components on quiz in next class
Related Evaluation:
Definitions will be handed in during the start of the next class, quiz will commence once all
assignments have been handed in.