Grade 6 ICT – Lesson 03: Components of a Computer

 

Grade 6 ICT – Lesson 03: Components of a Computer

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🖥️ What Makes Up a Computer?

We know that a computer can accept data, process it, produce output and store information.

But what makes all this possible?

A computer system consists of different components, each with an important role.

In this lesson, we will explore the major components of a computer system.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Explain what computer hardware means.
  • Identify common input devices.
  • Identify common output devices.
  • Explain the role of the CPU.
  • Identify storage devices.
  • Describe the purpose of memory.
  • Group computer components according to their functions.

🔧 What is Hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that we can see and touch.

Examples include:

  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Monitor
  • Printer
  • Speakers
  • CPU
  • Hard disk
  • USB flash drive

Remember:

Hardware = the physical parts of a computer.

⌨️ Input Devices

Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Keyboard

A keyboard is used to enter:

  • Letters
  • Numbers
  • Symbols
  • Commands

Mouse

A mouse allows us to:

  • Point
  • Click
  • Select
  • Drag
  • Open items

Microphone

A microphone allows us to enter sound or voice.

Scanner

A scanner can convert information on paper into digital form.

Camera

A digital camera or webcam can capture images and video.

🖥️ Output Devices

Output devices present the results produced by a computer.

Monitor

A monitor displays:

  • Text
  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • Results

Printer

A printer produces information on paper.

Speakers

Speakers produce sound.

Projector

A projector displays computer output on a large screen or surface.

🧠 The CPU

CPU stands for:

Central Processing Unit

The CPU is commonly described as the "brain" of the computer because it performs and controls many important processing operations.

It processes instructions and data.

You will learn more about the CPU as you progress through ICT.

💾 Storage Devices

Storage devices are used to store data and information.

Examples include:

Hard Disk Drive — HDD

Used for storing large amounts of data.

Solid State Drive — SSD

A fast storage device commonly found in modern computers.

USB Flash Drive

A small portable storage device.

Memory Card

Often used in cameras, smartphones and other digital devices.

🧠 Memory

Computer memory is used to hold data and instructions that the computer needs while working.

One important type is:

RAM – Random Access Memory

RAM provides temporary working space for programs and data.

When the computer is switched off, information stored in RAM is normally lost.

We will study memory in more detail in later lessons.

📊 Grouping Computer Components

We can group many computer components according to their main functions.

FunctionExamples
InputKeyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone
ProcessingCPU
OutputMonitor, printer, speakers, projector
StorageHDD, SSD, USB flash drive, memory card

🧩 Activity – Hardware Hunt

Look around your home, classroom or computer laboratory.

Find five hardware components.

Complete this table:

HardwareFunctionInput / Output / Processing / Storage
Example: KeyboardEnters textInput
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

🧠 Think and Discuss

1.

Why is a keyboard called an input device?

2.

What would happen if a computer had no output device?

3.

Why is a USB flash drive useful?

4.

Why is the CPU important?

📝 Quick Check

1. What is hardware?

A. Computer programs
B. Physical parts of a computer
C. Internet information
D. Computer instructions only

2. Which is an input device?

A. Monitor
B. Printer
C. Keyboard
D. Speaker

3. Which is an output device?

A. Mouse
B. Scanner
C. Keyboard
D. Monitor

4. What does CPU stand for?

A. Central Processing Unit
B. Computer Processing Utility
C. Central Program User
D. Computer Program Unit

5. Which is a storage device?

A. Monitor
B. USB flash drive
C. Keyboard
D. Speaker

⭐ Challenge Yourself

Imagine you are buying a computer for a school.

The school needs to:

  • Type documents
  • Display lessons
  • Print worksheets
  • Store student files
  • Connect to the Internet

Which hardware components would you recommend?

Explain why you selected each one.

🔄 Lesson Summary

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer.

Input

Used to enter data and instructions.

Processing

The computer processes data and instructions.

Output

Presents the results.

Storage

Stores data and information.

Important terms

Keyboard • Mouse • Monitor • Printer • CPU • RAM • HDD • SSD • USB Flash Drive

What's Next?

In the next lesson, we will learn about software and why a computer needs software to perform useful tasks.

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Learn • Practise • Create • Explore

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