COMPUTER TECH with Mr. Mills
Learning Goals
1.1 ๐ Parts of a Computer, Graphic Organizer (Mr. Mills)ย ย
1.2 ๐ฐ Parts of a Computer, Slides (Mr. Mills)
1.3 ๐บ Inside your computer (Video, TedEd)
1.4 ๐ Complete these questions in your notebook!
What is the main function of the CPU in a computer as described in the video?
Explain how a mouse click is processed by the computer according to the video. What steps does the CPU take after a mouse click?
Draw a diagram that shows how information travels in a computer when a user clicks a mouse. Include and label the following components: the user, the mouse, the basic input/output subsystem, the CPU, memory, and any programs stored in memory.
1.5 ๐ Buying Parts of a Computer, Worksheet (Mr. Mills)ย
1.6 ๐บ 3D Animated Computer Teardown (Branch Education)
1.7 ๐ฐ What are the parts of a computer, Article (Khan Academy)
Safety is the top priority of any computer technician. Familiarize yourself with the dangers associated with working with electronics.
2.1 Fire Safety Rules
2.2 Electrical Safety Rules
2.3 ๐ Write this definition in your notebook
P.A.S.S.
A mnemonic device to help you remember how to use a fire extinguisher.ย
P - Pull the pin
A - Aim at the base of the fire
S - Squeeze the trigger (and hold tight)
S - Sweep the nozzle left and right
2.4 ๐ Computer Assembly and Disassembly Lab
2.5 ๐ฐ Motherboard Cheat Sheet
3.1 ๐ฐ Computer Memory, Article (Khan Academy)ย
3.2 ๐ฐ Computer Storage, or "secondary memory", Article (Khan Academy)ย
3.3 ๐ Answer these questions in your notebook
In your own words, describe the difference between computer memory and computer storage
Determine the Memory and Storage capacities of your personal computer or phone or chromebook. i.e. How much RAM and how much HDD/SSD space does your device have?
3.4 ๐ Write these definitions in your notebook
RAM
Random Access Memory. A volatile storage medium that your computer uses to quickly store and retrieve short term data. When power is lost, so too is the data.
HDD
Hard Disk Drive. A semi-permanent data storage solution that utilizes magnetic fields (N/S) to store binary on a spinning metallic disk.
SSD
Solid State Drive. A semi-permanent data storage solution with no moving parts, utilizes NAND flash cells to store binary.ย
3.5 ๐ Whiteboard Activity - Memory
3.6 โญ Extension Task
There are many different ways to store binary information in the physical world. Compare and contrast the 4 main storage media types in computing (semiconductor, magnetic, optical, and paper) and 1 bonus legacy/experimental type of your choice (vacuum-tube, electro-acoustic, phase-change, holographic, molecular, DNA). Explain how each media format stores 1s and 0s physically, and provide examples of each where applicable.ย
4.1 ๐ฐ Central Processing Unit (CPU), Article (Khan Academy)
4.2 ๐ The CPU, Worksheet (A. Rivard) ๐ Slidesย
4.3 ๐ Answer these questions in your notebook
Define these CPU specific terms in your own words: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers, Clock, Bus. Create a diagram that illustrates how these components work together. Consult the Wikipedia article for CPU, and the subsections on the terms above to help guide your understanding.
4.5 โญ Extension Task
Define the concept of Moore's Law in your own words. After completing a bit of independent research, provide your opinion on whether or not you think Moore's Law has ended based on current technological trends.ย
Be ready to identify, describe, and explain the major components of a modern desktop computer we have studied.
6.1 ๐ Mystery Cable Lab, Worksheet (Mr. Mills) ๐ Pictures of Cables
6.3 ๐ Answer these questions in your notebook
Describe the differences between USB type A, B, and C. How do they differ in size (i.e. what they look like) and function (i.e. where do you plug each of these in to).
6.4 ๐ Write this definition in your notebook
USB
Universal Serial Bus. An international standard developed for computer engineers to create input and output devices that use the same port and connector to exchange data and power between devices.ย
In this assignment, you will create a work of art that represents all of the main components inside of a computer, their functions and interactions as a whole. This artistic work could take the form of a sculpture, a series of paintings/drawings, a song/rap, a comic book, a short film, an infographic/poster, an animation or stop motion film!