PC's Pieces

PC's PIECES

by Jim Forest
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Introduction

What do you think about when you see a computer. Do you think about all the fun you can have as a result of the colorful and active video screen and awesome sounds heard while playing games. Do you remember how much its helped when you had to write a report or look up a topic for homework? Did you ever wonder what's inside the computer case that makes the dark screen and silent speakers come alive with colors and sound shortly after the press a button. We're about to embark on a cyber-journey to try to solve the mystery of the magic box we all know as the personal computer also known as the PC. We've already learned about the microprocessor and memory chips and have seen and touched keyboards, monitors, printers, and mice. Now before we lift up the hood of this powerful data engine, think about the questions above and try to think of questions you would like answered about computers as we begin our cyber-journey.

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The Task

1. Write down two questions about computers that you would like to answer during your cyber-journey. (Lab Book Entry)

2. During this WebQuest with hands-on discovery using the internal and external parts and components of the personal computer (PC), module partners will examine the storage box in which Intel packaged "The Journey Inside: The Computer" kit. Write a (Lab Book Entry) describing everything you notice that's different about this box. In your lab book entries, compare the external computer components shown by the pictures on the box with those you see on the PC on the module bench top.

3. Research- Using the resource links below visit Web Sites to find out the three main components make up a multimedia PC. Compile a list (Lab Book Entry) of major external components which are those you can see with the case on the computer. Using the links in the resource section of this site, list the three main parts of the basic system and classify each part as either INPUT, PROCESS or OUTPUT.

4. Read the following paragraphs. First read through completely, trying to imagine the objects being described by clue words. After you've read it once, re-read and click on each of the hyper-links.

When then BIG BOX is opened (top cover removed), the system components are revealed. SMALL PLUG-IN CARDS with many electrical COPPER FINGERS plug into six to eight SOCKETS located on the MAIN BOARD which holds the "BRAINS" of the computer. This and other electronic MICROCHIPS cover the MAIN BOARD and are interconnected through COPPER PATHS to the smaller boards which contain more MICROCHIPS and other small electronic devices. An area on the MAIN BOARD is especially reserved for MICROCHIPS which make up the computer's MEMORY BANK.

Can you name the two main types (click on One / Two) of computer memory?

Watch the teacher install memory into a computer> CLICK HERE

A mysterious METAL BOX within the BIG BOX can be identified by observing several yellow, white, red and black wires exiting through round grommets on one side of this METAL BOX and leading to the MAIN BOARD and to the back of two or three MOTORIZED BOXES. The wires end at a plastic connector. Some are plugged into the MAIN BOARD and others into the MOTORIZED BOXES. Notice also that there are WIDE FLAT CABLES connecting one of the SMALL PLUG-IN CARDS having many tiny pins to connectors on the backs of the MOTORIZED BOXES.

On the outside of the BIG BOX on the back end there are several types of connectors. Find one of the SMALL PLUG-IN CARDS which has two telephone jacks visible from the back of the BIG BOX. Can you identify this card with phone jacks?

SOLVE THE MYSTERY: Re-read the above paragraphs and this time click on each of the hyper-links after you've read each highlighted word. You'll receive a visual clue each time you click on a new word.

BIG BOX MICROCHIPS WIDE FLAT CABLES

SOCKETS MAIN BOARD SMALL PLUG-IN CARDS

"BRAINS" COPPER PATHS METAL BOX

MOTORIZED BOXES COPPER FINGERS MEMORY BANK

Using the RESOURCE LINKS below, go to other Web Sites, books, supply catalogs or your desk references including computerized glossaries, encyclopedias and dictionaries to identify the correct technical nomenclature for each of the above clues to component parts of a computer. Use the provided work sheet to record your answers.

Re-Read Task
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Resources

PC Builder - Learn from an experienced PC home-builder (5 Pages)

MK Data is an online course; everything about the PC

"What IS a CPU? What am I doing here?" Wondering? Go take a look at an introduction to CPU processors.

Introduction to the Pentium III microprocessor

Check out the products at JDR Microdevices. Computer components, system boards, cases, memory and more.

AOpen is a computer company that made one of our Tech Ed machines

ADITA Video Inc. presents: COMPUTER LITERACY

WHATIS is a website that has answers to almost any computer question

Ask Jeeves for Kids lets you search by asking questions

ALSO - Check the following resources:
JDR Microdevices Catalog
Jameco Electronics Catalog
How Multimedia Computers Work
Electronic Computer Glossary

Are you ready to watch the teacher install the video card into a PC? >
Click Here

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The Process

To accomplish the task, follow a logical sequence of steps and work closely with your lab partner. Take turns browsing the resourses on the Web while the other partner looks for answers in the books, magazines and computer catalogs. It might even be fun to list prices of each component and total up the cost of a complete PC. Do you think you could save some money if you were to do it yourself?

1. In your LAB BOOK write down two questions about computers that you want to know answers.

2. Compare the "model in a box" computer with the Tech Ed lab "take apart" computer. Write down at least two similarities and two differences.

3. Visit the MK Data Web Site and browse within their site to find out how each component can be classified as either Input, Process or Output and try to understand the reasoning for these Technology Systems Model labels.

4. Read the three paragraphs of clue words which are linked to digital images.
    a. As you read each word, try to relate the description to things you already know about computers.
    b. Take notes and sketch diagrams. Use webs or tables so that you may visualize and link the components to facts you learned as you re-read the clues.
    c. Browse the Web Sites in the Resource section of this WebQuest to discover new information about computer hardware.
    d. As you make connections between the clue words, pictures and newly found facts from your Web Browsing, fill in the correct nomenclature (name) of that component next to the original clue word.

LIST ALL RESOURCES AT BOTTOM OF PC PIECES WORK SHEET. e. When you found all the words you possibly could within the class period time frame, then choose one or two components to write more detailed information about. Information may include basic function, capacity in GigaBytes, speed in MHz, resolution in pixels or even physical size or cost. You may print out one page to gather the information needed for the detailed answers.
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Evaluation

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. You can link to a separate rubric document from here, or you could briefly summarize your criteria on this page. Also specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades. Make sure the evaluation of your students evaluates the accomplishment of the objectives listed in the lesson.
Your grade will depend on the following criteria:
1. Cooperation with partner and proper Tech Ed lab behavior.              40
2. Use of several resources. List on your worksheet.                             10
3. Found the recorded the correct nomenclature for ___ components.    20
4. Found out and described the basic function for ____ components.     10
5. Answered the important questions about ____ components.                20

This activity demonstrates the students ability to:

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Conclusion

You and your partner have had a chance to explore computers and their component parts by browsing through a variety of resources including books, catalogs, magazines and the internet.
You were given word clues and images to help lead you to a source of more detailed information. The information may have been compiled by professionals for business purposes, teachers to help others learn or anyone like you or your partner who are just very interested and want to share their knowledge with others. Hopefully you have a better understanding of what goes on inside the BIG BOX now that you've opened one up and spent time to dig deeper into its inner works.

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