What Is a Computer
What Is a Computer
Curriculum Map | Digital Foundations
Summary
Students learn that a computer is a digital tool that can receive information, follow instructions, and show or produce a result. This lesson should work as an entry point for any student who is new to the idea, regardless of grade.
Teacher Overview
Use this lesson to establish shared vocabulary before moving into hardware, software, input/output, files, applications, internet, or coding.
Core idea:
- A computer takes information in.
- A computer follows instructions.
- A computer gives information back out.
- Computers can look different depending on their job.
Level 1 - Entry
Goal: Students can identify common computers and describe one thing a computer can do.
Teacher prep:
- Open the teacher slides.
- Prepare the printable activity.
- Prepare examples such as laptop, tablet, phone, smartwatch, game console, or classroom device.
Steps:
- Show several examples of computers.
- Ask students which examples they have seen before.
- Sort examples into
computerandnot computer. - Name one job each computer can do.
- Complete the printable activity or draw one computer.
Check for understanding:
- Student can point to a computer.
- Student can say one purpose, such as "it shows pictures" or "it plays a game."
Extension:
- Ask students to find a computer that does not look like a laptop.
Level 2 - Developing
Goal: Students can explain that computers use input and output.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare a simple input/output demonstration such as pressing a key and seeing a letter appear.
Steps:
- Review examples of computers.
- Demonstrate one input, such as clicking, touching, typing, or speaking.
- Identify the output, such as a sound, picture, letter, light, or movement.
- Students choose one device and describe its input and output.
- Students draw or label a device with
inputandoutput.
Check for understanding:
- Student can describe an action they do to the computer.
- Student can describe what the computer gives back.
Extension:
- Compare two devices that use different inputs.
Level 3 - Extending
Goal: Students can compare different computers by purpose and explain why computers can look different.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare images of several devices used for different jobs.
Steps:
- Review that computers take input, follow instructions, and produce output.
- Compare two devices, such as a laptop and a traffic light controller.
- Ask what each device is designed to help people do.
- Students choose one hidden or unusual computer and explain why it counts.
- Students share their explanation with a partner or the class.
Check for understanding:
- Student can explain that computers are not only laptops.
- Student can connect a device to its job.
Extension:
- Ask students to invent a computer for a classroom job.