STEM - How Does a Computer Really Work? (Hardware)
Computers are everywhere. used everyday, but how do these really work? What is inside the black box? Let's look at the hardware and learn how the pieces work together.
David Salch
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(3,364)
Popular
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1 hour per week. Each section will provide a list of questions to reflect on and answer, which challenge and demonstrate mastery of the concepts presented.Assessment
Contact me for an evaluation of successful completion.Class Experience
Beginner Level
Ever wonder what is inside that black box we call a computer? Let's find out! This class is a fascinating journey into the technology of HARDWARE, the "stuff" (parts and pieces) that make a computer work. This class will explore answer to the questions of: How does a computer work How can i design and build my own computer What are these parts inside like CPU, HD, SSD, etc What affects computer performance? The goal inside this class is understanding the parts and pieces and how they work individually as well as collectively. Understanding is the key to mastering. Understanding is the foundation to progressing further. The class is based on whiteboarding, lecture, and viewing examples of the real parts inside. It is broken into segments to help understanding with pauses and reflection after each major concept is introduced. I am available to contact with any questions, further explanation, or specific problems. I want to make each student as successful as possible!
Learning Goals
Understanding how a modern computer is built from componentsUnderstanding the performance characteristics
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Intro and IO
Introduction
Computer types
Input / Output 1 assignment
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
CPU
Central Processing Unit and "thinking" 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Memory
Why we need memory
What is memory
RAM, ROM
Bytes
Volatility 1 assignment
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Storage (HD, SSD, Etc)
Long Term Storage
Hard Drive
Solid State Drive
USB sticks / SD-Cards
NonVolatility 1 assignment
10 mins of video lessons
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2016
4.9
3364reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been in the computer industry, including hardware, software and systems, for 50+ years. During this career I have gained a unique perspective on how things work from top to bottom, inside out, and can explain things in easy to understand language to empower and inspire students. Retired now, I have patents in my name, and several successfully launched hardware as well as software products. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$4
weekly8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 5 learners
Ages: 8-15
