How Computers Work: A Fun Introduction for Little Learners!

Computer Science Grades 1st Grade 3:38 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the basics of how computers work in a simple and engaging way! Learn about input, processing, and output with real-life examples.

Video Resource

🖥 HOW DOSE A COMPUTER WORK FOR KIDS | HOW COMPUTER FUNCTIONS | COMPUTERS BASIC FUNDAMENTALS

Kidz Korner Creative learning

Duration: 3:38
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Input: Giving information to the computer.
  • Processing: The computer working with the information.
  • Output: The computer showing the results.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define 'input,' 'processing,' and 'output' in their own words.
  • Students will be able to identify examples of input, processing, and output in everyday life.
  • Students will be able to explain the three basic steps of how a computer works.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about computers. Show them different parts of a computer (monitor, keyboard, mouse) and ask them what they do. Introduce the idea that computers help us do things.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the YouTube video '🖥 HOW DOSE A COMPUTER WORK FOR KIDS | HOW COMPUTER FUNCTIONS | COMPUTERS BASIC FUNDAMENTALS' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbi_ilVMBS8). Pause at key points to explain concepts further and ask questions.
  • Discussion & Examples (8 mins)
    After the video, discuss the three steps: input, processing, and output. Give real-life examples that relate to the students' experiences. For example: * **Input:** Typing on a keyboard, clicking a mouse, touching a screen. * **Processing:** The computer thinking and figuring things out. * **Output:** Seeing words on the screen, hearing sounds from the speaker, printing a picture.
  • Activity: Input, Process, Output Sort (10 mins)
    Prepare cards with different actions (e.g., 'typing a letter,' 'computer showing a picture,' 'computer thinking about the answer'). Have students sort the cards into three categories: Input, Process, and Output.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the main concepts of input, processing, and output. Ask students to give their own examples.

Interactive Exercises

  • Input/Output Charades
    Students act out different input and output actions. For example, a student could pretend to type on a keyboard (input) or point to a screen showing a drawing (output). Classmates guess whether it's input or output.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some things you use a computer for?
  • Can you think of something you tell a computer to do (input)? What does the computer do with that information (processing)? What does the computer show you (output)?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding of basic computer functions
  • Critical thinking
  • Categorization

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What do we call it when we give the computer information?

Correct Answer: Input

Question 2:

What does the computer do with the information?

Correct Answer: Process

Question 3:

What do we call it when the computer shows us the answer?

Correct Answer: Output

Question 4:

Typing on a keyboard is an example of:

Correct Answer: Input

Question 5:

Seeing a picture on the computer screen is an example of:

Correct Answer: Output

Question 6:

Which of these is something you give to the computer?

Correct Answer: Typing your name

Question 7:

What is the computer doing when it's finding the answer to your question?

Correct Answer: Process

Question 8:

If you click on a mouse, is that input, process, or output?

Correct Answer: Input

Question 9:

When you hear music from a computer, is that input, process, or output?

Correct Answer: Output

Question 10:

What are the three main things a computer does?

Correct Answer: Input, Process, Output

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Giving the computer information is called ________.

Correct Answer: input

Question 2:

When the computer is working on the information, it is called ________.

Correct Answer: processing

Question 3:

When the computer shows you the answer, it is called ________.

Correct Answer: output

Question 4:

Typing on a keyboard is an example of ________.

Correct Answer: input

Question 5:

Seeing a picture on the screen is an example of ________.

Correct Answer: output

Question 6:

The computer ________ the information you give it.

Correct Answer: processes

Question 7:

Clicking the mouse is an example of giving the computer ________.

Correct Answer: input

Question 8:

The computer _______ shows you the information.

Correct Answer: output

Question 9:

________ lets you tell the computer what to do.

Correct Answer: Input

Question 10:

A computer uses input, ________, and output to do things.

Correct Answer: processing

Educational Standards

1.CS.D.01:With guidance, select and use a computing device to perform a variety of tasks for an intended outcome. 1.CS.HS.01:Use appropriate terminology in naming and describing the function of common computing devices and components (e.g., mouse is used to control the cursor). 1.AP.A.01:With guidance, model daily processes and follow algorithms (sets of stepby-step instructions) to complete tasks verbally, kinesthetically, with robot devices, or a programming language.

Teaching Materials

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