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LESSON 3

Storage

Permanent Memory

Storage devices are used to store data and programs permanently, even when the computer is turned off.

Start Lesson → See Learning Objectives ↓
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Learning Objectives

  • Explain the role of the storage in a computer system.
  • Describe how the storage works with other components.
YOUR LESSON JOURNEY

What You Will Learn

Complete each step in order. Each section builds your knowledge and understanding.

1.

Reflection

Discuss the key question with your partner.
2.

Learn

Explore the key information about Storage.
3.

Watch

Watch a video to see how a Hard Drive and Solid State Drive work.
4.

Quiz

Test your understanding with a short quiz.
5.

Computer Doctor

Diagnose and fix common storage issues.
6.

Exit Ticket

Answer a quick question to show what you learned.
7.

Prove Your Learning

Complete the challenge to prove your knowledge.

1. Reflection Time

Question: What is the difference between a Hard Drive and a Solid State Drive?

  1. Think quietly for 1 minute.
  2. Discuss your idea with a partner.
  3. Be ready to share your answer with the teacher.

3. Learn: What is Storage?

Explore all four cards to discover more about storage devices. Click a card again to turn it back over.

3. Watch: HDD and SSD Explained

Watch this video to help you understand the technological differences between the HDD and SSD.

Watch HDD and SSD Explained

While watching, answer:

  1. What are the main differences between HDD and SSD?
  2. Why is it called permanent memory?
  3. How does it work with the RAM?

4. Checkpoint Quiz

1. What does HDD and SSD stand for?

Hard Disk Drive and Solid State Drive
Hard Disk Display and Solid Speed Drive
Hard Data Drive and Solid Storage Device

2. What is the main purpose of HDD and SSD?

To store programs and files temporarily
To store programs and files permanently
To store programs and files in the cloud

3. How does the RAM work with the storage device?

The RAM keeps saving data to the hard drive every minute to ensure data is backed up automatically
The RAM needs the storage device to be a buffer between itself and the CPU
The RAM loads data from the storage device when needed and stores it temporarily for quick access.

5. Main Activity: Computer Doctor

"My computer takes several minutes to start up, and programs take a long time to open. Saving and opening files is also much slower than it used to be, even when only one program is running."

Your task: Write a short answer explaining what might be causing the problem and what advice you would give.

Model Answer

The problem may be caused by a slow or ageing hard disk drive (HDD). An HDD stores the operating system, programs and files permanently, but it reads and writes data more slowly than a solid-state drive (SSD). This can make the computer take longer to start up, open programs and save files. I would advise checking the health of the drive, deleting unnecessary files to free up space, or upgrading to an SSD for much faster performance.

Self-Assessment Checklist






6. Exit Ticket

1. What is the main purpose of an HDD or SSD?

To permanently store the operating system, programs and files
To temporarily store programs currently in use
To process instructions for the computer

2. Which statement about SSDs is correct?

They have no moving parts and are generally faster than HDDs
They use spinning magnetic disks to store data
They lose all stored data when the power is turned off

3. What happens to data stored on an HDD or SSD when the power is turned off?

It is deleted automatically
It is moved into RAM
It remains stored until it is deleted or overwritten

7. Prove Your Learning

Final challenge: You work in a computer shop. Three customers need your help choosing a storage device. Choose one customer and write a recommendation.

Customer A – Family Computer: Wants to store lots of photos, videos and documents, but is not worried if programs take a little longer to open.

Customer B – Everyday User: Wants the computer to start up quickly and open web browsers, homework and apps without waiting.

Customer C – Creative User: Regularly edits videos, creates digital artwork and wants large files to save and load as quickly as possible.

Your recommendation should explain:

Your name:

Class:

Your explanation: