Lesson Plan: Basic Computer Hardware Components II

LESSON PLAN: BASIC COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS II – STORAGE UNITS

Subject:	Digital Technologies
Class:	JSS 1 (Basic 7)
Term:	First Term
Week:	6
Topic:	Basic Computer Hardware Components II: Storage Units
Subtopics:	Primary and secondary storage; RAM and ROM; Hard disk and flash drive; Storage measurements – bit, byte, MB, GB and TB; Importance of data storage
Duration:	80 Minutes (Double Period)

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Define computer storage.
2. Explain the meaning of primary and secondary storage.
3. Differentiate between primary and secondary storage.
4. Identify RAM and ROM.
5. Identify common secondary storage devices such as hard disks, flash drives and memory cards.
6. Explain the basic functions of RAM and ROM.
7. Explain the meaning of bit and byte.
8. Identify common storage measurements such as MB, GB and TB.
9. State the importance of storing data in a computer system.

INSTRUCTIONAL / TEACHING AIDS

• Desktop or laptop computer
• RAM module
• Hard disk or SSD
• USB flash drive
• Memory card
• Storage-device pictures and charts
• Whiteboard and marker
• Projector, where available

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE / ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Students have previously learned about computer hardware and can identify basic input and output devices such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor and printer. They have also seen or used devices such as smartphones, computers and USB flash drives that can store information.

PRESENTATION STEPS

STEP	TEACHER'S ACTIVITY	STUDENTS' ACTIVITY
1. Introduction	The teacher shows students a flash drive, hard disk or memory card and asks: "Where do we keep files, pictures, videos and documents when using a computer or phone?"	Students observe the devices and respond based on their previous experience.
2. Meaning of Storage	The teacher explains that computer storage refers to the components or devices used to keep digital data and information for use now or later.	Students listen, ask questions and give examples of information they store on computers and phones.
3. Primary Storage	The teacher introduces primary storage and explains RAM and ROM. The teacher explains that RAM temporarily holds data and instructions currently being used, while ROM stores information that is retained when power is removed.	Students observe the RAM/ROM examples and explain the difference between temporary and retained information.
4. Secondary Storage	The teacher introduces secondary storage and shows examples such as hard disks, SSDs, flash drives and memory cards. The teacher explains that these devices are used for longer-term storage of data.	Students identify the storage devices and state examples of files that can be stored on them.
5. Storage Measurements	The teacher introduces bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and terabyte as units used to describe digital information and storage capacity.	Students write the storage units in their notebooks and arrange them from smaller to larger units.
6. Importance of Data Storage	The teacher discusses the importance of storage, including keeping documents, pictures, videos, applications and other information for future use.	Students mention examples of information they would need to save and explain why storage is important.
7. Class Activity	The teacher displays pictures or actual storage devices and asks students to identify each one and classify it as primary or secondary storage where appropriate.	Students identify and classify the devices individually or in groups.
8. Evaluation & Summary	The teacher asks oral questions, corrects misconceptions and summarizes the major points covered.	Students answer questions and summarize what they have learned.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. What is computer storage?
2. What is the difference between primary and secondary storage?
3. What is the function of RAM?
4. What is the function of ROM?
5. Mention four examples of secondary storage devices.
6. What is a bit?
7. What is a byte?
8. Mention three common units used to measure digital storage capacity.
9. State three reasons why data storage is important.

ASSIGNMENT

1. Define primary storage and secondary storage.
2. State two differences between RAM and ROM.
3. List five secondary storage devices.
4. Arrange these units from smallest to largest: GB, bit, TB, byte and MB.
5. Explain three reasons why people store digital information.

TEACHER'S REFLECTION

The teacher should note students' ability to identify storage devices, distinguish primary from secondary storage, understand RAM and ROM, and recognize basic storage measurements. Difficult areas should be revised before moving to the next topic.