1. NEW INFORMATION

Research the following websites at home and make notes:

• History of computing hardware
• Moore's Law
  

2. GOAL 

Advancements in material technology have allowed the dramatic increase in speed, storage, capacity and ability to miniaturise technology, whilst the principles of computing have essentially remained the same.

3. ACCESS PRIOR KNOWLEDGE  

Guiding Questions:

1. Why have advances in materials science technology enabled for the miniaturisation of modern computers?

2. Why has miniaturisation enabled Moore’s Law to be so successful?

4. APPLICATION TASK

Work individually to construct a graphic organizer comparing and contrasting the size and speed of the first commercial computer to a modern computer.

The graphic organizer needs to make reference to things such as:

• Advances in semi- and superconductor technology
• Moore’s Law
• Hard disk storage cost per unit of information
• Network capacity

5. GOAL REVISITED

Pair and Share what you have learnt from the activity. The discussion should focus on comparison of ideas relating to the graphic organizer.you created. 

Amend your graphic organizer to clarify any misconceptions and add any new or useful information.

As a pair, report back to the group on your joint thoughts and reflections on the activity.