Input and Output
Input and Output
Curriculum Map | Digital Foundations
Summary
Students learn that input is information or action given to a computer, and output is what the computer gives back. This becomes a bridge between basic device use, coding, sensors, games, and interactive systems.
Teacher Overview
Core idea:
- Input is what goes into the computer.
- Output is what comes out of the computer.
- Many digital actions are input-output pairs.
Examples:
- Pressing a key is input. Seeing a letter is output.
- Moving a mouse is input. Seeing the pointer move is output.
- Speaking into a microphone is input. Hearing recorded sound is output.
Level 1 - Entry
Goal: Students can identify a simple input and output.
Teacher prep:
- Open the teacher slides.
- Prepare a classroom device demonstration.
Steps:
- Press a key or tap a screen.
- Ask students what action happened first.
- Ask students what changed on the device.
- Name the action as input.
- Name the response as output.
Check for understanding:
- Student can point to an input action.
- Student can point to an output response.
Extension:
- Try a different input such as touch, click, typing, or voice.
Level 2 - Developing
Goal: Students can sort devices or examples into input and output.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare the input/output sorting activity.
- Prepare examples such as mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, microphone, screen, speaker, printer.
Steps:
- Review input as information going in.
- Review output as information coming out.
- Sort examples into input and output.
- Discuss items that can be both, such as a touchscreen.
- Complete the sorting activity.
Check for understanding:
- Student can classify common input devices.
- Student can classify common output devices.
Extension:
- Find a device that can be both input and output.
Level 3 - Extending
Goal: Students can explain an input-process-output sequence.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare a simple drawing, game, or browser interaction.
Steps:
- Choose one digital action.
- Identify the input.
- Describe what the computer does next.
- Identify the output.
- Draw or explain the sequence.
Check for understanding:
- Student can explain cause and effect in a digital interaction.
- Student can use the words input and output correctly.
Extension:
- Connect the idea to coding: "When I press this, the computer does that."