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:
oExplain in general terms how computers store and manipulate information.
oDescribe the basic structure and organization of a computer.
oDiscuss the functions and interactions of a computer system’s principal
internal components.
oExplain why a computer typically has different types of memory and
storage devices. Have students compare with other forms of memory like
our brain.
Projects
oDiscuss other base systems (time, feet & inches). Have students do some
simple arithmetic computations with time and measurement.
oDiscuss base 2 number system and have students do some simple
arithmetic computations in base 2.
oBring 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.
oBring 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.
oHave 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
oStudent should find material from chapter (hardware basics, …) in
newspapers, magazines, or online
oStudent should discuss the most difficult concept for them in this chapter
oStudent should list any terms they do not understand