This document provides a lesson on the different parts of a computer and how they work. It uses analogies to the human body to explain each part. The key parts discussed are the computer case, which holds all components like a skeleton; the power supply, which provides electricity like a heart; the motherboard, which sends signals like a nervous system; the processor, which carries out tasks like a brain; the hard disk drive for long term memory storage; and RAM for short term memory storage. Students are given tasks to label diagrams and create presentations to demonstrate their understanding.

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
 Learn how different parts of a computer
work.

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I can discuss how different parts of a
computer work.

4. CASE AND POWER SUPPLY
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.
Computer Casing
= Skeleton
Power Supply =
Heart
Just like your
heart pumps blood
around your body
to give you energy.
The power supply
pumps electricity
around the
computer to power
all of the
components.
The case of the
computer holds
everything
together and
keeps each of
the components
in place,
similar to the
way your
skeleton keeps
your body
together!

5. THE INSIDES
Motherboard =
Central Nervous
System
The motherboard sends messages to all of the
other components inside the computer like your
nervous system sends signals to the organs in
your body.
Processor =
Brain
The processor is where the computer carries out
all of it’s tasks (processes) in a similar way to
your brain thinks about things.
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

6. MEMORY/STORAGE
?
Hard Disk Drive = Long Term Memory
This is where all of your documents,
pictures, programs etc. are stored on
the computer, similar to all of the long
term memories in your brain.
Random Access Memory (RAM) = Short Term
Memory
RAM is where the computer stores the
current task that is being carried out.
This is like when you are thinking about
how to work out a sum in maths or what
your are going to say next.
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

7. MAIN TASK 1
Cut out all the parts of the table around the dotted
lines - - - - - - - - - -
Stick all the pieces onto the second page matching up
the pictures to the correct descriptions. Here’s how
to start:
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

8. MINI PLENARY
 Knowledge and understanding check!
 Check your worksheet against the answers
from the following slides.
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

9. TASK ANSWERS
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

10. TASK ANSWERS
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

11. MAIN TASK 2
Create a PowerPoint presentation with one
slide for each computer part.
Each slide should have:
Title
Picture of part
Description of what it does (written in your
own words)
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

12. EXTENSION TASK
If you have managed to complete everything
then you should start to look at how all
computers communicate.
Write any keywords on a document as you might
be able to lead the start of the next
lesson.
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.

13. PLENARY
 Name one part of a computer.
 Describe how it works.
Lesson outcomes:
 I can identify parts of a computer.
 I am able to discuss how different parts
of the computer work.