Computer Parts & Fixing

Hardware, Software, and Troubleshooting computer What do you like to do on the computer? Do you enjoy playing games or talking to your friends? No matter what you do on the computer, you need all the parts of the computer to work together to help your machine run correctly.

Computers have many parts and pieces that all work together to form a system. These parts and pieces can be split into two categories: internal parts and external parts.

Internal Parts Internal parts are the pieces inside the computer. Some internal parts include:

Description

Image

Motherboard - The motherboard is where all the computer parts tie together in one spot to work together and make the computer run. It is usually the color green, but can be other colors too.

motherboard Hard Drive - The hard drive is where the computer's memory is.

hard drive Fan - A computer can get very hot as it works hard to do everything we program it to do! This is why we need a fan to help cool down the working parts.

computer fan External Parts External parts are the pieces that plug into or connect to the computer. Some external parts include:

Description

Image

Mouse - The mouse lets you click things on your computer screen.

computer mouse Printer - The printer allows you to print out your documents or pictures.

printer WiFi Router - The WiFi router helps you connect to the internet.

wifi router Software Software refers to programs on the computer that you use.

software icons Notice how each of these examples of software are programs that you use on the computer. Hardware are physical parts of the computer while software are programs on the computer.

Troubleshooting Sometimes things can go wrong when you are working on a computer. This is when you can practice troubleshooting. Troubleshooting is when you fix the computer problem. Common solutions include restarting the computer, closing unused tabs, and plugging the computer back into its charger.

Life Connection Imagine you're doing homework on a tablet, and suddenly the screen freezes. What do you do? One way to fix it is by restarting your tablet. You press the power button, turn it off, and then turn it back on. Sometimes, this simple step helps the game start working again!

This is like troubleshooting. When something on a device isn't working, you figure out a way to fix it, just like you did with your tablet. It's about checking the problem and finding a simple solution to get things back on track!

Culture Connection Jungle Waterfall In Costa Rica, the weather can change quickly, especially in the rainforests. When it starts raining, people troubleshoot by finding shelter, covering their belongings with plastic to keep them dry, or adjusting their plans if outdoor activities are no longer possible.

Similarly, when a tech problem happens, like a tablet freezing, troubleshooting helps us find solutions—whether it's restarting the device, changing settings, or finding another way to make things work. Both in Costa Rica and with technology, quick thinking and adjusting to the situation keeps everything running smoothly!

Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

40 minutes

Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.A.1
Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system, and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems (e.g., troubleshooting device issues by understanding sizes of hardware like the motherboard or fan).

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Identify and explain the function of major internal and external computer parts (hardware).
Differentiate between hardware and software on a computer.
Describe basic troubleshooting methods for common computer problems.
Engage in collaborative problem-solving and communication about technology use and maintenance.
Write a simple explanatory paragraph describing how to troubleshoot a basic computer or device issue.

Materials Needed

Images or real examples of computer parts: motherboard, hard drive, fan, mouse, printer, WiFi router
Projector or smartboard for showing images and activities
Whiteboards and markers for team work
A simple “Troubleshooting Flowchart” worksheet
Tablets or laptops (optional) for interactive demo
Printed troubleshooting scenarios for group work

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

Engage the students by asking:
"What do you like to do on a computer?"
Have a brief 2-minute discussion on popular uses: games, homework, communicating.
Explain: "Just like you need parts of your body to work together to play a game, computers have many parts that work together for them to run."
Show a picture of a computer setup and explain there are internal and external parts.

Direct Instruction (10 minutes)

Internal Parts Explanation
Show images and briefly explain:
- Motherboard (the main ‘hub’ where everything connects)
- Hard Drive (stores memory)
- Fan (cools the computer down)
External Parts Explanation
Show images and briefly explain:
- Mouse (helps you point and click)
- Printer (prints documents)
- WiFi Router (connects your computer to the internet)
Explain what software is: programs or apps you open to use the computer (show sample icons).
Emphasize: Hardware = physical parts, Software = programs.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Troubleshooting Introduction
Define troubleshooting as “finding and fixing problems.”
Present a simple freeze scenario: “Your tablet freezes while doing homework.”
Discuss quick fixes: restart, close apps, plug in charger.
Culture Connection: Tell the Costa Rica rainforest story showing how people adapt and problem-solve quickly in changing conditions, just like troubleshooting tech.
Collaborative Activity:
Divide the class into teams (about 10 groups of 15 students if space allows, with adult assistance or older student volunteers, or adapt to smaller groups if separate sessions are needed given class size).
Each team receives a troubleshooting scenario (e.g., mouse not working, printer won't print, internet disconnects).
Teams brainstorm a set of troubleshooting steps and present one solution to the class.

Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Writing Activity:
Ask students to individually write a short informative paragraph answering:
“What is one way you would try to fix a computer or tablet that stops working? Explain step-by-step what you would do and why.”
Encourage use of vocabulary from the lesson: hardware, software, restart, troubleshooting.

Closing & Assessment (5 minutes)

Review key points with a quick Q&A. Ask:
- “What is the difference between hardware and software?”
- “What does a motherboard do?”
- “Name one thing you can do when your computer freezes.”
Collect “Troubleshooting Flowchart” worksheet (can be done as exit tickets) or have students share aloud one troubleshooting step they learned.
Remind students: “Troubleshooting helps computers and people keep working smoothly, just like how people in Costa Rica solve problems when weather changes.”

Extensions (for advanced learners or extended time)

Build a simple physical model of a computer with labeled parts using cardboard and craft materials.
Create a digital slideshow or infographic on computer parts and troubleshooting steps.
Explore software types: games, browsers, learning apps, and categorize them.

Teacher Reflection Questions

Were students able to clearly distinguish hardware vs. software during discussions?
Did the collaborative troubleshooting activity engage all group members?
How effectively did students apply vocabulary in their explanatory writing?
Were cultural connections able to deepen students’ understanding of problem-solving in technology?

By integrating interactive visuals, real-world troubleshooting, and cross-cultural connections, this lesson caters to varied learning styles and meets key Common Core literacy goals through technology education.

Teaching Instructions