Prep:
Linux Install – set up using one side of the lab
6 computers w/ dBan completed, plugged into monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Masking tape on computer for students to record the amount of RAM installed. (To be referred to in memory upgrade activity later.)
Markers or pens
6 Linux install discs
Extra memory for each computer
Worksheet for Open Office excercises (see lesson plan)

Hardware – set up using the other side of the lab
5-6 computers that will boot up, plugged into a monitor.
Posters
Screwdrivers?
Paper
Pencil

Lesson 1: Linux Install
(20 minutes)
Explain lab process to date:

• Received old computers
• Checked storage space (1024 MB = 1G) ??
• Checked amount of memory
• Checked processor speed
• Wiped the hard drives using dBan
• Why do you think those steps needed to be performed?
• Explain BIOS
• Work with a partner
• Open BIOS
• Look for: Hard drive space, Total memory, Processor speed
• Record memory on computers for memory upgrade activity. ??
• Set Boot Order to CD then Hard drive (?? Do we have to do this if we’re installing?)
• Discuss Operating Systems (See Cory’s lesson plan for Teen Tech)
• Function
• Appearance
• Versions
• Cost
• Updates
• Anti-virus
• Install Linux
• While Linux is installing (aprox. 20 minutes) move to other side of room.
• Explain that when their OS is finished installing we will come back to these computers and do some activities with them.

Lesson 2: Hardware
(30 minutes)
We will be looking inside a computer to see how they work. These computers have been donated for use in recycling, so you cannot hurt them. You will be working in pairs and we’ll talk you through the disassembly process step by step. Please feel free to ask questions as they come up. The objective of this activity is to see and touch, not to memorize or take notes. We encourage you to take turns with your partner to disassemble and reassemble parts. Repeat the process if necessary so that everyone gets a turn.
Before we begin, ask:
What you think you will find?
How do you feel about taking apart a computer?
What is your biggest concern?
First, we’re going to boot up the computers to see if they will indeed turn on. Once we see that each computer does work, we will have you turn off your computers and begin the activity. (If there is time remaining, you will attempt to put your computer back together again. If your computer does not work when the activity is over – that’s OK. This is just an exercise using donated computers that need to be refurbished anyway. If your computer does work when we are finished – yea!)
Other than the inside of the power supply or some sharp edges, there is nothing inside the computer that can hurt you. However, when working with computers it is possible that you could hurt the computer especially through static electricity. Always make sure your computer is disconnected from the power source and that you touch the power supply (big metal box) inside the computer before working.
-Disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer.
-Disconnect the keyboard and mouse. Notice that the plugs for these devices are color coded and have a special key so that they can only be inserted one way.
-Disconnect the monitor. Notice the shape and screws used to plug in the monitor designed to protect the prongs.
-Take off the cover.
-Review the major components of the computer.
Power supply
Hard drive
CD drive/Other drives
Video card
Memory
Data cables
Heat synch
CPU
-Disconnect the power cables from all the components.
-Disconnect the data cables. These are the wide ribbon cables.
-Remove the computer memory.
-Disconnect cables from the motherboard.
-Remove the heat synch.
-Remove the CPU.
Discuss the flow of information through the computer. Explain, if not done so already, that a computer can only follow one instruction at a time. Although it does it extremely fast. For example, follow that steps that a keystroke takes.
Press a key.
Travels through the keyboard input device.
Circuit sends it to the CPU.
CPU sends it to the OS (located in hard drive).
OS sends it to open application (located in memory).
Application sends is back to OS (hard drive).
OS sends it to CPU
CPU sends it to the monitor (video card).
Reassemble the computer (if there is time).
Discussion:
Did you find what you thought you would find?
How is it different than what you expected?
Were you surprised by what you found?

Lesson 3: Open Office in Linux
(20 minutes.)

See worksheet. Exploring Your Operating System

Lesson 4: Memory Upgrade
(10 minutes)
If we run out of time, this lesson can be done on site when their lab gets set up.
Ask the students if they think their computers are running fast or slow?
What could they do to make them run faster?
Turn off computers.
Upgrade memory.
Boot to BIOS.
Confirm that Total Memory has changed.
Start Open Office and see if you notice a difference.