Secondary storage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare the characteristics of different types of secondary storage.
Key learning points
- Secondary storage types are optical, magnetic and solid state.
- The most commonly used secondary storage devices are optical storage using lasers, and solid state using 0s and 1s.
Keywords
Solid state storage - no moving parts; stores data in electrical circuits using 0s and 1s
Optical storage - uses lasers to read and write data on a reflective surface
Magnetic storage - older format; data stored in series as polarised dots
Common misconception
More storage always means a faster computer.
Upgrading from a HDD to a SSD will improve speed, but simply increasing the capacity of the same type of drive does not make the computer faster.
Teacher tip
Having physical examples of the types of storage media can aid understanding as well as considering the types of secondary storage for different scenarios.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does RAM stand for?
Q2.Which small, fast type of memory stores instructions that the CPU uses most often?
Q3.Which memory type is temporary and changes as you use the computer?
Q4.What is the main function of ROM?
Q5.What does cache memory help the computer do?
Q6.Put these types of memory in order from fastest to slowest:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is storage media?
Q2.Which statement is correct about storage and computer speed?
Q3.Match each example to its storage type:
optical storage
magnetic storage
solid state storage
Q4.How does solid state storage store data?
Q5.What is a key feature of magnetic storage?
Q6.Which type of secondary storage uses lasers to read and write data on a reflective surface?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Secondary storage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Secondary storage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Computer Systems unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.