Lesson Plan

Computer Hardware 101

A student with no prior knowledge of computer hardware will be introduced to the crucial components, how
they each function, and how they work together to make up a computer.

Lesson Objectives
The student will understand and can accomplish these tasks at the end of the lesson:
● Learn what a hard drive, ram, DVD/CD drive, video cards, power supply, and motherboard look like and
the function of each part.
● Will know how to uninstall and reinstall each part.
● Will know of some safety and maintenance best practices when working with computer hardware.

Lesson Prep Work

(30 min, at a minimum, prior to student arrival)
● Gather individual parts.
● Clear desk space for demonstration and class participation.
● Load the Prezi Presentation: http://prezi.com/yrts1nbv1xyv/computer-hardware-101-new/
● Print handouts.

Lesson Prerequisites
● (None)

Lesson Outline
The lesson is completed in one [90-minute] class session.
● (5 min) Introduction
○ Introduce instructor.
○ Introduce students. Ask introductory question:
■ What do you visualize when someone says the word computer?
○ Let students know it’s okay to take phone calls, but ask them to put their phone on vibrate and
answer calls outside the classroom.
○ Inform students that they can sit back and watch if the class is too advanced.
○ Inform students they can go to the bathroom, they don’t need permission.
○ State/show order in which class will happen. Explain scope of class.

● (80) Activities
○ (15) Parts of the Computer
■ Walk through Prezi:
● http://prezi.com/yrts1nbv1xyv/computer-hardware-101-new/
● MotherBoard
○ Metaphor: mothership

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER 8/27/2013

cjy
10 W 14th Ave Parkway | Denver, CO 80204 | 720.865.1706 | http://denverlibrary.org/ctc Page 1
 ■ Where everything is docked and connected.
■ Facilitates the connection between all crucial parts.
● Processor/CPU (“Computer Processing Unit”)
○ Metaphor: brain or engine
■ The component that runs/coordinates the computer.
● RAM (Random Access Memory)
○ Metaphor: horsepower or desktop space
■ Temporary data storage.
■ Requires power for storage.
■ More RAM = faster computing.
■ RAM is a card that fits into the RAM slot.
● Hard drive
○ Metaphor: car trunk or desk drawers/file cabinet
■ A type of permanent storage that does not require power to retain
data.
○ Question: What is the difference between RAM and a hard drive if they
are both types of storage?
■ RAM is volatile and temporary: you need to have power to keep
the information stored.
■ Hard drive is not volatile: you don’t need power to keep the
information stored on the drive, and the data is permanently
stored until a user deletes it.
● Video Card
○ An expansion card that generates output images to a display.
■ Many video cards have RAM built onto the card so as not to use
the computer’s main RAM source.
■ Can make the computer run more efficiently, especially in cases of
heavy game and video use.
● Sound Card
○ An expansion card that can add high quality and/or professional sound to
your computer for music, movies, and games.
■ May also include extra input/output (I/O) ports (for microphones,
etc.).
● PCI Slots (not pictured in slide show until last slide)
○ Definition: Peripheral Component Interconnect
○ Slots for Video and Sound Cards
■ Tip: Not every card fits in every PCI slot.
○ Question: How can you tell the difference between PCI slots and RAM
slots?
■ RAM slots have snaps at each end to secure RAM cards.
■ PCI slots are usually located near the edge of the motherboard to
accommodate external I/O ports.
● DVD/CD-RW Drive
○ Allows for watching movies, listening to music, playing games, and
installing software.
○ RW stands for rewritable.
○ Mounted in the case, not on the motherboard.

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER 8/27/2013

cjy
10 W 14th Ave Parkway | Denver, CO 80204 | 720.865.1706 | http://denverlibrary.org/ctc Page 2
 ● Power Supply (not pictured in slide show)
○ Provides and regulates power to the computer.
○ Mounted in the case, not on the motherboard.
● Peripherals (not pictured in slide show)
○ Parts of a computer that are not permanently mounted on the
motherboard or in the case.
○ Examples:
■ Mouse
■ Keyboard
■ Monitor
■ Printer

○ (10) Construction & Safety

■ Toolkit
● No need for a fancy tool kit; keep it basic.
● Necessary tools
○ Philips head screwdriver
○ Flat head screw driver
○ Canned air
○ Needle nose pliers
● Cost = $20
■ Safety
● Basic precautions
○ Unplug everything prior to any kind of work.
○ Electric Static Discharge (ESD)
■ Definition: when electricity is exchanged between two entities (e.g.
the shock you receive when rubbing your feet on the carpet and
touching something metal).
■ When working with computer hardware, ESD can damage parts.
■ Tips to avoid ESD
● Use anti-static band (optional but recommended).
● Don’t work on carpet.
● Wear cotton fibers.
● Reminder: never open or attempt to fix power supply.
● Hardware safety
○ Proper Handling (discussed in the Component Review)
■ Extends life of the device.
■ Prevents common problems.
○ Proper Disposal
■ Most hardware components cannot be thrown in the trash.
■ Local organizations assist in proper disposal (you may need to
pay a fee).
■ Recycle when possible!

○ (15) Component Review

■ Walk back through hardware components along with the Prezi. Have students:
● name the parts.

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER 8/27/2013

cjy
10 W 14th Ave Parkway | Denver, CO 80204 | 720.865.1706 | http://denverlibrary.org/ctc Page 3
 ● explain the function of each part.
● put the parts into the motherboard or point out where the part lives on the
motherboard or in the case.
● Discussion: Proper handling of delicate components
○ Reminder: Anti-static wrist band
■ Wear to prevent static discharge.
○ Processor/CPU
■ Don’t touch the pins.
● Avoids static discharge.
● Prevents oils from your skin ruining the pins.
○ RAM
■ Don’t bend/break the RAM card when installing.
○ Video Card & Sound Cards
■ Don’t bend/break the card when installing.
■ Don’t touch the pins.
○ Hard drive
■ Never open hard drive.
■ Don’t shake or drop hard drive.
○ Power Supply
■ Never open power supply to avoid potentially fatal shock.
■ Keep away from moisture.
■ Don’t shake or drop power supply.

○ (5) Case
■ What makes a good case?
● Ease of access
● Air flow
● USB 3.0 ports
● Front accessibility for headphones
● Well positioned Drive Bays for CD/DVD and hard drives
■ How do you pick a case?
● Make sure you pick a case that fits your motherboard.
● Style. Don’t underestimate the importance of aesthetics!
● Consider where your case will be stored to help determine size/shape.

○ (15) Maintenance
■ Cleaning
● Dusting
● Using the right solutions
● Using the right tools
○ Canned Air
○ Microfiber cloth
■ Tip: NEVER use paper towels.
● Clean outdoors or at least in a well-ventilated space.
■ Choosing a proper location for your computer
● Good air flow
● Away from animal hair

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER 8/27/2013

cjy
10 W 14th Ave Parkway | Denver, CO 80204 | 720.865.1706 | http://denverlibrary.org/ctc Page 4
 ●Not in Kitchen
○ Too many hazards, like liquids
● Not on carpets
○ Put in on a desk if you have all carpets
■ Keep your computer cool
● Cable management
● Dusting
● Choose a case with good airflow
● Choose a well-ventilated location

○ (10) How to find good computer parts

■ Demo of Newegg.com
● Search for a component.
● Look at specifications.
● Look at reviews.
■ Microcenter (Denver, CO)
● Visit the store and seek advice.
● Take a class.

○ (10) Further Resources and Q&A/Class Discussion

■ Further resources
● Online forums
● Tech websites
○ Memoryx.com (find RAM specs for any computer model)
○ Computer.howstuffworks.com (more detailed hardware info)
● Wikipedia/Google
■ Q&A: Open up the floor for questions about hardware.

● (5) Conclusion
○ Go over handout, review material, emphasize contact info & further resources on handout, such
as 1:1 appointments and other applicable classes.
○ Any questions? Final comments?
○ Remind students to take class survey.

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER 8/27/2013

cjy
10 W 14th Ave Parkway | Denver, CO 80204 | 720.865.1706 | http://denverlibrary.org/ctc Page 5