Internal Components of the Computer and Mobile phone for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
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: Computer system and application software
Topic: Internal Components Of The Computer And Mobile Phone
Subject Matter: Meaning of Internal Components of the Computer and Mobile phone, Components of computer and mobile phones

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define Internal Components of the Computer and Mobile phone.
• Identify components of computer and mobile phones.
• State the functions of each internal component of computer and mobile phones.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of understanding internal components.
• Demonstrate responsibility in handling computer and mobile phone components.
• Collaborate effectively in group discussions about hardware.

Psychomotor Domain

• Physically identify various internal components of computers and mobile phones.
• Relate each component to its basic function.

Social Domain

• Participate actively in group activities to discuss hardware components.

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
• CPU
• RAM
• ROM
• Storage Device (e.g., Hard Drive, SSD)
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Motherboard/Logic Board
• Charts showing diagrams of internal computer and mobile phone components
• Disassembled computer or mobile phone (if available and safe for demonstration)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it provides students with foundational knowledge of the physical parts that make up computers and mobile phones. Understanding these internal components and their functions is essential for anyone aspiring to work in computer hardware and GSM repairs, enabling them to diagnose issues and perform basic maintenance effectively.

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

Meaning of Internal Components

Internal components of a computer or mobile phone refer to the essential hardware parts located inside the device casing. These components work together to enable the device to perform its various functions, such as processing data, storing information, and running applications.

Components of Computer and Mobile Phones and Their Functions

The main internal components found in computers and mobile phones, along with their basic functions, include:

Motherboard/Logic Board

The motherboard (in computers) or logic board (in mobile phones) is the main printed circuit board that connects all the internal components of the device. It acts as the central communication backbone, allowing different parts to exchange data and power. Key functions include:

1. Connectivity: Provides slots and connectors for the CPU, RAM, storage drives, expansion cards, and peripherals.
2. Communication: Facilitates data transfer between all connected components.
3. Power Distribution: Distributes electrical power to various parts of the system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU, often called the “brain” of the computer or mobile phone, is responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing the overall operations of the device. Its primary functions are:

1. Instruction Execution: Carries out the commands given by software and the operating system.
2. Data Processing: Performs arithmetic, logical, and input/output operations.
3. Control: Manages and coordinates the functions of other hardware components.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a type of volatile memory that the CPU uses to temporarily store data and program instructions that are currently being used. It allows for quick access to data, which improves the device’s performance. Key characteristics and functions are:

1. Temporary Storage: Holds data only while the device is powered on.
2. Fast Access: Enables the CPU to quickly read and write data, speeding up operations.
3. Multitasking: Allows the device to run multiple applications simultaneously by holding their data in active memory.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is a type of non-volatile memory that permanently stores essential instructions needed for the device to start up (boot). Unlike RAM, the data in ROM is not lost when the device is turned off. Its main functions include:

1. Bootstrapping: Stores the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or firmware that initiates the boot process.
2. Permanent Storage: Data cannot be easily altered or erased.
3. System Instructions: Contains instructions for basic hardware operations.

Storage Drives

Storage drives (e.g., Hard Disk Drives – HDDs, Solid State Drives – SSDs, eMMC in mobile phones) are non-volatile storage devices used to permanently store the operating system, applications, and user data. Their functions include:

1. Long-Term Data Storage: Retains data even when the device is powered off.
2. Operating System Host: Stores the entire operating system and all installed software.
3. User File Storage: Provides space for documents, photos, videos, and other personal files.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The Power Supply Unit (found in computers) or the battery and charging circuitry (in mobile phones) is responsible for converting electrical power from an external source into the correct voltage and current required by the internal components. Its functions are:

1. Power Conversion: Converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power needed by components (for computers).
2. Power Regulation: Ensures stable and appropriate power delivery to each component.
3. Battery Management: In mobile phones, the battery stores power, and the charging circuitry manages power input and output.

Safe Handling and Fault Awareness

When working with internal components, it is important to observe safe handling and fault-awareness practices:

1. Static Electricity: Always discharge static electricity by touching a grounded metal object before handling components, or use an anti-static wrist strap.
2. Gentle Handling: Components are delicate; handle them gently by their edges to avoid damage to circuits or pins.
3. Organisation: Keep track of screws and small parts; organise them to ensure correct reassembly.
4. Fault Awareness: Be observant of physical damage, burn marks, or unusual smells, as these can indicate component failure.
5. Power Off: Always ensure the device is completely powered off and unplugged before opening or handling internal parts.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks students to name some external parts of a computer or mobile phone and leads a discussion into what makes these devices work internally. The teacher introduces the topic: “Internal Components of the Computer and Mobile Phone.”

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

Learning Point: Introduction to internal components

Step 2: Meaning of Internal Components

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of internal components, emphasising that these are the essential hardware parts inside the device that work together. The teacher uses simple language and examples to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and define internal components in their own words.

Learning Point: Definition of internal components

Step 3: Identifying Motherboard/Logic Board and CPU

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts or actual components (motherboard/logic board, CPU). The teacher guides students to work in groups to identify these components and discusses their basic functions, highlighting their role as the “brain” and “backbone” of the device.

Pupils’ Activity: Students work in groups, identify the motherboard/logic board and CPU from charts or physical samples, and discuss their functions.

Learning Point: Motherboard and CPU identification

Step 4: Identifying RAM and ROM

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Observation/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents RAM and ROM modules (or images) and explains their differences and functions (temporary vs. permanent memory). The teacher guides students to identify them and understand their roles in data access and system startup.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the components, differentiate between RAM and ROM, and state their respective functions.

Learning Point: RAM and ROM functions

Step 5: Identifying Storage Drives and Power Supply Unit

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows examples of storage drives (HDD/SSD) and a Power Supply Unit (PSU) or explains the mobile phone battery/charging system. The teacher guides students to identify these components and discusses their functions related to data storage and power management.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify storage drives and PSU/battery, and discuss their roles in storing data and providing power.

Learning Point: Storage and power components

Step 6: Relationships and Safe Handling

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Brainstorming/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to brainstorm in groups the relationships among all the components discussed (how they work together). The teacher also highlights the importance of safe handling, organisation, and fault-awareness practices when dealing with internal hardware.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils brainstorm component relationships and discuss safe handling practices.

Learning Point: Component relationships and safety

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. What are internal components of a computer or mobile phone?
2. Name three internal components of a computer.
3. State one function of the CPU.
4. What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

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 into their notebooks, ensuring they correctly record the definitions and functions of the internal components.

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 key learning points about the internal components and their functions, reinforcing the importance of this knowledge for hardware repairs. The teacher encourages students to continue exploring how these components work.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidation of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Research and write short notes on the following:

1. Identify and draw any two internal components of a mobile phone, stating their functions.
2. Explain why it is important to discharge static electricity before handling computer components.
3. List three common faults that can occur with a Power Supply Unit (PSU) in a computer.

Lesson Keywords

• Internal Components – Hardware parts located inside a device casing.
• Motherboard – The main circuit board connecting all components.
• Logic Board – Equivalent of motherboard in mobile phones.
• CPU – Central Processing Unit, the “brain” of the device.
• RAM – Random Access Memory, temporary storage for active data.
• ROM – Read-Only Memory, permanent storage for startup instructions.
• Storage Drives – Devices for permanent data storage (e.g., HDD, SSD).
• Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Converts and supplies power to computer components.

Differentiation

For students who need support: Provide simplified diagrams and pre-labelled components. Pair them with stronger students during group activities. Focus on identifying and stating one key function for each component.

For students who need extension: Challenge them to research specific types of CPUs or RAM (e.g., DDR4, DDR5) and their differences. Ask them to explain how a mobile phone’s logic board differs slightly from a computer’s motherboard in terms of integrated components.

Suggested Lesson Videos

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