Computer and Mobile Phone Components, Functions, Relationships for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
Curriculum Theme: Fundamentals of Computer Hardware
Focal competence: Demonstrate good understanding of Basic Computer Hardware and GSM System
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Information Literacy; Responsibility
Skills:

• Identifying components of computer and mobile phones

Previous Lesson: Internal Components of the Computer and Mobile phone
Topic: Internal Components Of The Computer And Mobile Phone: Functions Of Internal Components Of Computer And Mobile Phones
Subject Matter: Functions of internal components of computer and mobile phones, Relationship among the components

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Describe the relationships among the internal components of computers and mobile phones.
• Explain the functions of internal components of computer and mobile phones.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of each internal component to the overall functionality of a device.
• Demonstrate responsibility in handling computer and mobile phone components.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify the major internal hardware components of a computer and a mobile phone.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in groups to discuss hardware components and their relationships.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• A suitable Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs textbook for SS 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Computer
• Charts showing internal components of computers and mobile phones
• Actual CPU (if available)
• Actual RAM module (if available)
• Actual ROM chip (if available)
• Actual Storage Device (HDD/SSD) (if available)
• Power Supply Unit (if available)
• Mobile phone logic board (if available)
• Internet access (for visual aids/videos)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it provides students with foundational knowledge of how computers and mobile phones operate at a hardware level. Understanding the functions and relationships of internal components is essential for diagnosing faults, performing basic repairs, and appreciating the technology around them. This knowledge forms a critical basis for further studies in computer hardware and GSM repairs.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what a computer and a mobile phone are, and some familiarity with their external parts.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Internal Components Of The Computer And Mobile Phone: Functions And Relationships

Functions of Internal Components of Computer and Mobile Phones

Internal components are the essential parts inside a computer or mobile phone that enable it to function. Each component has a specific role:

1. Motherboard/Logic Board: This is the main circuit board that connects all the components of a computer or mobile phone. It allows communication between the CPU, RAM, storage, and all other peripherals. It provides power distribution and houses essential chips.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often called the “brain” of the computer or phone, the CPU performs all the calculations, executes instructions, and manages the flow of data. It is responsible for processing information.
3. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a type of volatile memory used to temporarily store data that the CPU is actively using. It allows for quick access to data, enabling multitasking and faster operation. Data stored in RAM is lost when the device is turned off.
4. Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is non-volatile memory that permanently stores essential firmware or boot-up instructions (like the BIOS in computers or bootloader in phones). This data cannot be easily altered and remains even when the device is off.
5. Storage Drives (Hard Disk Drive – HDD, Solid State Drive – SSD, eMMC): These components are used for long-term storage of data, such as the operating system, applications, documents, and media files. HDDs use spinning platters, while SSDs and eMMC use flash memory for faster access and greater durability.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU): In computers, the PSU converts AC power from the wall outlet into DC power that the internal components can use. In mobile phones, the battery and charging circuit serve a similar function, providing and regulating power.

Relationships Among the Components

The internal components of a computer or mobile phone do not work in isolation; they form an integrated system where each part depends on others to function correctly:

1. Motherboard as the Central Hub: The motherboard acts as the backbone, providing the physical and electrical connections for all other components. The CPU, RAM, ROM, and storage drives all plug into or are soldered onto the motherboard, allowing them to communicate.
2. CPU and RAM Interaction: The CPU constantly interacts with RAM. When the CPU needs to process data or execute instructions, it retrieves them from RAM because RAM offers much faster access than storage drives. RAM temporarily holds the data and programs that the CPU is currently working with.
3. CPU and Storage Drive Interaction: The CPU loads the operating system and applications from the storage drive into RAM when the device starts or when a program is launched. When data needs to be saved permanently, the CPU writes it from RAM back to the storage drive.
4. ROM and Boot-up Process: The ROM contains the initial instructions (firmware) that tell the CPU how to start up the device, perform basic checks, and load the operating system from the storage drive into RAM. Without ROM, the device cannot even begin its boot sequence.
5. Power Supply and All Components: The power supply unit (or battery/charging circuit in mobile phones) provides the necessary electrical power to all components. Without a stable and sufficient power supply, no component can operate, and the entire system will fail.
6. Integrated System: All these components work together in a coordinated manner. For example, when you open an application on your phone, the CPU retrieves the app data from the storage drive, loads it into RAM, and then executes the instructions. The motherboard facilitates this entire communication, and the power supply keeps everything running. A fault in one critical component can affect the entire system’s performance or prevent it from working at all.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall some external parts of a computer and mobile phone. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Internal Components of Computer and Mobile Phones: Functions and Relationships,” explaining that understanding these parts is crucial for repairs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about external parts and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to internal components

Step 2: Functions of Motherboard/Logic Board

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart or an actual motherboard/logic board. The teacher explains its function as the central hub connecting all other components, facilitating communication and power distribution. The teacher asks students to identify key parts on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart/component, listen to the explanation, and identify parts as guided by the teacher.

Learning Point: Motherboard/logic board function

Step 3: Functions of CPU and RAM

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the functions of the CPU as the “brain” for processing data and instructions. The teacher then explains RAM’s role as temporary, fast-access memory for active data. The teacher uses examples to illustrate their importance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and discuss the importance of CPU and RAM.

Learning Point: CPU and RAM functions

Step 4: Functions of ROM and Storage Drives

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ROM’s function in storing permanent boot-up instructions. The teacher then explains the role of storage drives (HDD/SSD/eMMC) for long-term data storage, differentiating them from RAM.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, compare ROM and storage drives, and note their distinct functions.

Learning Point: ROM and storage functions

Step 5: Functions of Power Supply Unit

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the function of the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in converting and supplying power to all components in a computer, and the battery/charging circuit in mobile phones. The teacher stresses its critical role.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the importance of power supply.

Learning Point: Power supply function

Step 6: Relationships Among Components

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Discussion/Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to brainstorm in groups the relationships among the components discussed. Using the charts, the teacher facilitates a discussion on how the motherboard connects everything, how CPU uses RAM, how ROM initiates boot-up, and how power supply enables all operations. The teacher ensures students understand the interdependencies.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, discuss relationships, and contribute to the class discussion, explaining how components work together.

Learning Point: Component interdependencies explained

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Explain the function of the CPU in a computer or mobile phone.
2. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.
3. Describe how the motherboard relates to other internal components.
4. Why is the power supply unit essential for the operation of a computer?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding component functions

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the functions and relationships of internal components into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the lesson, reiterating that internal components work together as a system, and understanding their individual functions and relationships is key to understanding how devices operate and how to approach repairs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Lesson summary and reinforcement

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. List five internal components found in both a computer and a mobile phone.
2. Choose any two internal components and explain how they interact to perform a task (e.g., opening an application).
3. Research and write a short paragraph on why safe handling of internal components is important during repairs.

Lesson Keywords

• Motherboard – The main circuit board that connects all components.
• Logic Board – The equivalent of a motherboard in mobile phones.
• CPU – Central Processing Unit, the “brain” that processes instructions.
• RAM – Random Access Memory, temporary storage for active data.
• ROM – Read-Only Memory, permanent storage for boot-up instructions.
• Storage Drive – Device for long-term data storage (e.g., HDD, SSD).
• PSU – Power Supply Unit, converts AC to DC power for components.
• Volatile Memory – Memory that loses its content when power is off (e.g., RAM).
• Non-volatile Memory – Memory that retains its content when power is off (e.g., ROM, storage drives).

Differentiation

For learners who need support: The teacher will provide simplified diagrams of components and their connections, offer more direct guidance during group discussions, and pair them with stronger students. Focus will be on identifying components and stating their primary function.

For learners who need to be challenged: These students will be encouraged to research specific types of CPUs or RAM, discuss potential issues that arise from component incompatibility, or explain how a fault in one component could manifest in the overall device performance.

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