Day 1 - Introduction to Computing Systems

Day 1: Introduction to Computing Systems

Presentation slides on computing system components
Computer hardware components for demonstration (or pictures if actual components unavailable)
Computing system component cards for sorting activity
Diagram templates for assessment
Exit ticket templates

Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)
- Introduce the Computer Systems and Networks Big Idea in AP CSP
- Explain that this is the fourth of five big ideas in the course
- Share the learning objectives for the unit
- Connect to previous units (Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming)
Activating Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)
- Ask students: "What computing devices do you use daily?"
- Have students identify what they think are the main components inside their devices
- Create a class list of components and functions

Mini-Lecture: Computing System Components (10 minutes)
- Define a computing system as a collection of hardware and software working together
- Explain the main hardware components:
  - Input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, camera, microphone)
  - Processing components (CPU, GPU)
  - Memory and storage (RAM, hard drive, SSD, cloud storage)
  - Output devices (monitor, speakers, printer)
- Discuss how software interacts with hardware:
  - Operating system as an intermediary
  - Applications using system resources
  - Drivers connecting hardware and software
- Explain the concept of interfaces between components
Exploration: Hardware Components (10 minutes)
- Show actual computer hardware components or detailed images
- Explain the function of each component
- Discuss how components have evolved over time
- Demonstrate how components connect to each other
- Explain the difference between general-purpose and specialized computing systems
Hands-on Activity: Identifying Hardware Components (10 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups
- Distribute component cards with names, images, and descriptions
- Have groups sort components by category (input, processing, memory/storage, output)
- Ask groups to create a flowchart showing how data moves through components
- Have groups share their flowcharts and discuss any differences

Discussion: How Hardware and Software Work Together (5 minutes)
- Lead a discussion on how hardware and software interact
- Ask students to trace what happens when they click on an application icon
- Discuss the interdependence of hardware and software components
- Address any misconceptions about computing systems
Exit Ticket: Computing System Diagram (5 minutes)
- Students create a diagram showing the components of a computing system
- Diagram should include hardware and software components
- Students should label components and show interactions between them
- Collect diagrams before students leave

Ask them to include more detailed component interactions
Have them compare different types of computing systems (desktop, mobile, embedded)
Challenge them to explain technical specifications of components

Research and document the components in their own computing device
Compare specifications of two different computing devices
Create a timeline showing the evolution of a specific component (e.g., CPU, storage)