IBDP Computer Science, Theme A, Topic A1 — Unit Planner: A1.1 Computer Hardware and Operation

This comprehensive, ready-to-use unit planner covers computer hardware fundamentals for the IB DP Computer Science course. Designed for a combined SL/HL classroom in Year 1, Term 1, Week 1.

What’s Inside?

Complete unit structure – CPU components (ALU, CU, registers: IR, PC, MAR, MDR, AC, buses); GPU role (parallel SIMD architecture); memory hierarchy (registers → L1/L2/L3 cache → RAM → ROM); fetch–decode–execute cycle; secondary storage (SSD, HDD, eMMC, optical, flash, NAS); compression (lossy vs lossless); cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS). HL-only: CPU vs GPU comparison; pipelining (stage overlap, throughput vs latency, hazards).

Teaching activities – CPU diagram labelling; benchmarking demo (CPU vs GPU); task classification; memory pyramid; cache hit/miss simulation; fetch–execute register trace; HL pipelining diagram; storage decision matrix; compression practical; cloud service card sort.

Assessment – Formative (diagram labelling, trace tables, exit tickets). Summative (30 min): Section A – MCQs; Section B – real-world scenario justification; Section C – extended response on fetch–execute; HL pipelining OR SL SaaS/PaaS/IaaS distinction.

Differentiation – Scaffolding (templates, worked examples, glossary); extension (chip comparison, hazard research, environmental impact). Affirming identity – values device diversity and repair experience.

Cross-curricular – TOK (engineering vs scientific knowledge, environmental responsibility); CAS (device donation, hardware workshops).

CT skills – Abstraction (block diagrams); Decomposition (fetch–execute); Pattern recognition (trade-offs); Algorithmic thinking (HL: pipelining).

Quantitative skills – Compression ratios, cache hit rates, HL speed-up factors, storage conversions.

Resources – Craig’n’Dave, CS Field Guide, GeeksforGeeks, Khan Academy; IB Guide; decommissioned computer, diagram templates, task cards.

Common misconceptions – CPU alone computes; GPUs only for gaming; more RAM = faster; compression always reduces quality; cloud has no hardware – with counter-strategies.

Pacing – 5 hours (3h SL/HL + 2h HL-only) across 1 week.

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