Embedded Files
K-2.CS.2 - Explain the functions of common hardware and software components of computing systems.
A computing system is composed of hardware and software. Hardware includes the physical components of a computer system. Software provides instructions for the system. These instructions are represented in a form that a computer can understand and are designed for specific purposes. Students identify and describe the function of hardware, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet devices, monitors, keyboards, mice, trackpads, microphones, and printers. Students also identify and describe common software applications such as web browsers, games, and word processors.
Connections
Connections
Math Connections
Math Connections
In mathematics, classifying objects and representing data is applied within the Measurement and Data domain.
In kindergarten, K.MD.B.3 asks students to classify objects into given categories and count objects in each category.
In 1st grade, 1.MD.C.4 asks students to organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories and ask and answer questions about the data.
ELA Connections
ELA Connections
In the English Language Arts Standards, one of the standards strands, Language, sort objects and words into categories to help understand the meanings.
In kindergarten, L.K.5.A asks students to sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
In 1st grade, L.1.5.A asks students to sort words into categories (e.g., colors, clothing) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
Examples
Examples
In this activity students will learn the basics about hardware and software by watching a clip from an episode of Learn with Me that is focused on computers. After learning about hardware and software students will participate in a guessing game where someone gives clues about a specific piece of hardware or software and others try to guess what the clue giver is describing. As a checking for understanding task, students will independently complete a hardware and software sort.
To begin, play Learn with Me: Computer Time from 1:11-2:41. This clip gives students and overview of various hardware and software and some of the specific jobs each does.
Next, students will participate in a guessing game. Display the game slide so all can see it. Allow students the opportunity to give clues about a hardware or software item of their choosing while others work to figure out the mystery item the clue giver is describing. For example, this item is hardware, it is something that can be held in your hand, it is an input device, singers use one of these. The goal would be the guessers determining the clue giver is describing a microphone. This can be done whole group, in partners, or a combination of both depending on student needs.
More Examples
More Examples
A great read aloud for addressing this computing systems standard is "Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer" by Linda Liukas. This can be found in most local libraries in both print and digital formats. Students will go on an adventure with Rudy through the inside of a computer. Throughout the journey students will be introduced hardware and software that allow computers to do their jobs and how these parts work together to complete tasks. The book contains many related activities at the end and additional options can be found at on the Hello Ruby website. A optional enhancement to the read aloud is requesting an obsolete computer to open and show students the inner components of.
Alternatively, students could each be assigned a component of a computing system and arrange their bodies to represent the system. Students could then describe how their assigned component functions within the system. (P.E.K.1, 1.1)
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