CS101 – Living with
Computers
ACTIVITIES &
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Chapter 2 (Classes 4-5):
- Answer
student questions.
- Discuss
what’s on the CD (binary arithmetic game, interactive tutorials)
- Discuss
what’s on the website
- Questions
for discussion:
- Explain
in general terms how computers store and manipulate information.
- Describe
the basic structure and organization of a computer.
- Discuss
the functions and interactions of a computer system’s principal internal
components.
- Explain
why a computer typically has different types of memory and storage
devices. Have students compare with other forms of memory like our brain.
- Projects
- Discuss
other base systems (time, feet & inches). Have students do some
simple arithmetic computations with time and measurement.
- Discuss
base 2 number system and have students do some simple arithmetic
computations in base 2.
- Bring
in motherboards with CPU and RAM. Have students identify CPU, RAM, ROM,
battery, expansion slots, and the bus. Have students swap RAM, expansion
cards and CPUs on the motherboard. Be sure to discuss the importance of
being grounded.
- Bring
in computer advertisements from newspapers, magazines, and other sources
and give copies or two different ads to each group. Have each group
compare the type of processor, speed, memory and expandability of the
computers. Have each group recommend one of the two systems and why.
- Have
students discuss any experiences they have had with replacing memory or
expansion cards.
- Chapter
2 Quiz: 3-5 short questions from the chapter review and 2-4 definitions
- Chapter
2 Assignment: page 50 - Project 2.
- Chapter
2 e-journal on Hardware Basics: Inside the Box
- Student
should find material from chapter (hardware basics, …) in newspapers,
magazines, or online
- Student
should discuss the most difficult concept for them in this chapter
- Student
should list any terms they do not understand