Computing Systems

Select and operate appropriate software to perform a variety of tasks, and recognize that users have different needs and preferences for the technology they use.

Unpacked:

1. Define software as programs (sets of instructions) that run on computing systems.
2. Select appropriate software to complete tasks.
3. Use appropriate software to complete tasks.
4. Recognize that there may be more than one choice of software to complete a task or more than one way to use the software to complete a task.
5. Explain why they chose the software they did (or the tools within the software) to complete a given task.

Resources to Explore:

• Which Software Do You Prefer
• BrainPOP Jr: Parts of the Computer - explains what software is with examples (need to be a subscriber)

Use appropriate terminology in identifying and describing the function of common physical components of computing systems (hardware).

Unpacked:

1. Understand that the physical components of a computing system are called hardware.
2. Identify the physical components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.
3. Describe the function of the physical components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.

Could be integrated with standard 1A-IC-16 Compare how people live and work before and after the implementation or adoption of new computing technology.

Additional Resources to Explore:

• Identifying Hardware with Bee-Bots
• Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer SFUSD Lessons
• ABCYa Input & Output Devices
• ABCYa Find the Technology
• Hello Ruby: What is a computer?
• Hardware or Software? (Category Matching Activity)
• Getting to Know the iPad (Google Slides presentation used to introduce the iPad to students; introduces both the hardware and software)
• Video: BrainPOP Jr: Parts of the Computer (need to be a subscriber)

Describe basic hardware and software problems using accurate terminology.

Unpacked:

1. Explain basic problems with hardware using correct vocabulary.
2. Explain basic problems with software using correct vocabulary.

Resources to Explore:

• K-2 Troubleshooting - this is an activity to identify which computer part might be having a problem both with an image and a label.
  • You will see a preview of the activity
  • Click the Use Template button
  • Complete the slides

Describe how internal and external parts of computing devices function to form a system.

Unpacked:

1. Identify the external components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.
2. Describe the function of the external components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.
3. Identify the internal components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.
4. Describe the function of the internal components of computing systems using correct vocabulary.
5. Describe how external and internal parts of computing systems work together.

Resources to Explore:

• Dylan Ryder's Grade 3 Computing Systems Unit
• I Have, Who Has Game
• How Internal & External Parts Function to Form a System
  • You will see a preview of the activity
  • Click the Use Template button
  • Complete Slide #2
• These are for younger students so may be best in 3rd grade:
  • Book with Activities - Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer
  • Simulating an iPad
  • Simulating a Computer
• Magic School Bus Gets Programmed (dated but still decent information): Book or Video
• Building a Computer - Interactive Activity in Flash
• Human Computer Game - somewhat dated

Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks.

Unpacked:

1. Identify external and internal parts (hardware) of a computing system.
2. Identify the function of external and internal parts of a computing system.
3. Identify which operating system(s) and software applications are running on devices at school.
4. Create a model (picture, animation, interactive display/Scratch project) or a physical computing project which demonstrates how the hardware components interact with the operating system and software applications.

Integration with standard 1B-IC-19 Brainstorm ways to improve the accessibility and usability of technology products for the diverse needs and wants of users.

Unpacked:

1. Identify why some people might not be able to use computing systems
2. Identify hardware and software accessibility features available on computing systems
3. Identify ways computing systems could be made more accessible/usable for everyone

Resources to Explore:

• Hardware & Software Working Together
• These following may need adapting for grade band as they were designed for younger students:
  • Hello Ruby: Design OS
  • Simulating a Computer
  • Simulating an iPad
• Ted-Ed Inside Your Computer
• Dylan Ryder's Grade 3 Computing Systems Unit
• How Computers Work (Unplugged Activity)
• How Computers Work (Hyperdoc)

Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies.

Unpacked:

1. Identify common troubleshooting strategies.
2. Describe the problem using correct vocabulary.
3. Identify if the problem is a hardware or software problem.
4. Decide what could be done to fix the problem and apply fix, if allowed.

Resources to Explore:

• Common Troubleshooting Strategies
• 21 Things 4 Students - Written more for Middle School but could be adapted for Elementary.
• Some ideas from awhile ago that can still be applied today:
  • Troubleshooting Computer Problems: Using Posters In The Classroom
  • Teaching Students Routines for Computer Use
  • Computer Sabotage: A Lesson Plan
• Your Computer Isn’t Broken: Quick Tech Fixes for Students