Day 1 – Meet Your Computer

Essential Question

What makes a computer work?

Learn

• Hardware vs. software

• Input and output devices

• CPU

• RAM

• Storage

• Peripherals

Activity

Students complete a scavenger hunt by identifying:

• USB ports

• HDMI

• Webcam

• Microphone

• Speakers

• Power button

• Touchpad

• Function keys

Then label a computer diagram.

Day 2 – Understanding Windows

Essential Question

How do I navigate my computer efficiently?

Learn

• Desktop

• Taskbar

• Start Menu

• Search

• File Explorer

• Settings

• Notifications

Activity

Windows Scavenger Hunt

Find:

• Calculator

• Paint

• Settings

• Downloads folder

• File Explorer

• Volume controls

Day 3 – Files & Folders

Essential Question

How do I keep my digital work organized?

Learn

• Files vs folders

• Naming conventions

• Extensions (.docx, .pptx, .jpg, .pdf)

• Copy vs Move

Activity

Students organize a "messy desktop."

Given 25 random files, they create folders like:

School

    Technology

    Science

Pictures

Homework

Projects

Day 4 – Saving Your Work

Essential Question

Where does my work go?

Learn

• Save

• Save As

• AutoSave

• OneDrive

• Local storage

• Flash drives

Activity

Students save the same document:

• Desktop

• Documents

• OneDrive

Then locate each copy using File Explorer.

Day 5 – Downloads vs Uploads

Essential Question

Where do files come from, and where do they go?

Learn

• Download

• Upload

• Attachments

• Drag-and-drop

• File size

Activity

Students:

• Download a practice image.

• Rename it.

• Move it to the correct folder.

• Upload it to a class assignment.

This is one of those "simple" skills that students use constantly.

Day 6 – Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential Question

How can I work smarter instead of harder?

Learn

• Ctrl+C

• Ctrl+V

• Ctrl+X

• Ctrl+Z

• Ctrl+Y

• Ctrl+A

• Ctrl+S

• Ctrl+F

• Alt+Tab

• Windows+Shift+S (Snipping Tool)

Activity

Shortcut Olympics

Students complete challenges using only shortcuts whenever possible.

Day 7 – Basic Troubleshooting

Essential Question

What should I try before asking for help?

Learn

• Restart

• Check Wi-Fi

• Frozen apps

• Updates

• Charging

• Cables

Activity

Students rotate through troubleshooting stations.

Examples:

• Printer won't print

• Wi-Fi disconnected

• Laptop won't charge

• Mouse stopped working

Students create a troubleshooting checklist.

Day 8 – Digital Organization

Essential Question

How do organized people manage technology?

Learn

• Folder systems

• File names

• Deleting clutter

• Recycling Bin

• Backups

Activity

Students organize a fictional student's OneDrive.

Bonus:
Design your own folder structure for school.

Day 9 – Technology Escape Challenge

Students complete missions such as:

✅ Find a file.

✅ Rename it.

✅ Compress it.

✅ Upload it.

✅ Download another.

✅ Move it.

✅ Use keyboard shortcuts.

✅ Locate Settings.

This becomes a fun review day.

Day 10 – Computer Skills Challenge

Instead of a traditional test...

Students receive a checklist.

Complete these tasks:

• Create folders

• Save files

• Rename files

• Download

• Upload

• Find settings

• Use shortcuts

• Organize files

Everything is performance-based.

Unit Project

"Build Your Digital Workspace"

Students organize their school technology for the semester.

They:

• Create folder structures

• Organize OneDrive

• Customize desktop (appropriately)

• Build a bookmark folder

• Set up quick access folders

• Practice file naming conventions

Example:

Technology

    Projects

    Images

    Videos

Science

Math

ELA

Finished Work

Current Projects