Beat the Heat!

Heat and computers don't mix well.

Quick! Touch the PC or mobile device that you're reading this article on. Does it feel warm to you? All computing devices generate heat while they are running, so some warmth is normal. But, if your device actually feels hot, you may have a problem.

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent your device from overheating and damaging the components. Melanie Pinola discusses some good ideas in this Lifewire article. These include turning your devices off when they get too warm, keeping them out of extreme temperature ranges, and using laptop cooling pads. Performing regular hardware maintenance and cleaning or installing new fans can also help to keep your device running cool.

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Discussion Topics/Activities
  1. Although keeping digital devices cool is important, the cooling system is a critical component that is not often discussed. What do the students know about how their digital devices keep cool? Have any of them ever replaced a cooling fan or upgraded the cooling system of their PC?
  2. Divide students into small groups and ask each group to research how different devices handle the cooling process. Each group should present their findings about just one device (PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
  3. As an individual project, ask students to investigate alternate cooling methods and the types of devices for which they are used. Students should locate a video that demonstrates or explains how the cooling system works and share the video with the class.
 






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