Storage

K-2 Computer Science Modules Series

A subconcept of

Data and Analysis

Standard K.DA.S.1: Recognize that data can be collected and stored on different computing devices over time.

Standard 1.DA.S.1: Recognize that a variety of data (e.g., music, video, images, text) can be stored in and retrieved from a computing device.

Standard 2.DA.S.1: Store, copy, search, retrieve, modify, and delete information using a computing device and define the information stored as data.

Overview of the Lesson

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What Real-World Problem Does the Standard Address?

Most users of computers are familiar with the term "hard drive" and know that things can be saved on hard drives. However, most users are not familiar with how hard drives actual work. Below is a video that explains how hard drives work, including how hard drives process data. As you watch the video, think about different types of data that you store on your computer hard drive and how it may impact the functionality of your computer.

Your Turn

What Does the Standard Say?

In this section you will examine the standard and think about the learning targets and potential ways of measuring student understanding of the concept by addressing the session question, "What does the standard say?"

Deconstructing the Standard

Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.

Deconstructing the Standard

Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.

Deconstructing the Standard

Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

K.DA.S.1 Recognize that data can be collected and stored on different computing devices over time.

All information on a computing device is considered data. Data is transmitted using binary code, which can then be translated into computer languages, such as ASCII, so that people can understand it. Every keystroke, click of the mouse, or opening of software is data transfer.

Different types of devices are ideal for different types of data. For example, a cell phone can store photos, images, and applications. A desktop or laptop computer can store programs and documents in addition to photos and images. Some stored data, such as cloud-based storage and some applications, can be accessed on multiple devices.

Look at the image to the right. This image, provided by ASUS WebStorage, shows the evolution of data storage, but can be broken down into even smaller parts. For example, the floppy disk displayed went through three different versions before appearing as it does in the image.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

Now, travel through time and explore the history of computer storage in the video below. As you watch and look through the images, think about how data storage today would be different if data was still stored on a punch or magnetic tape. Please watch up to 5:30.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

The video you just watch was published in 2016, and a lot has changed in the past years. However, one thing that has stayed consistent is that data can be stored on different types of devices and retrieved at a later date.

Kindergarten students should be able to recognize that different types of data can be collected, stored, and later retrieved on different computing devices. They should also recognize that different devices are more/less ideal for storing certain types of data than other devices. For example, smartphones are ideal for storing contact information and photos, but not for storing and retrieving documents.

Think about the different types of data you store and retrieve on different devices regularly. How does your use of specific devices (i.e. tablet, desktop, laptop, smartphone) vary depending on the data with which you are working?

The Embedded Content of the Standard

1.DA.S.1 Recognize that a variety of data (e.g., music, video, images, text) can be stored in and retrieved from a computing device.

"Data" is not limited to numbers. In computing technologies, data refers to any type of information that is stored in a device. There are different types of data, such as music, videos, images, and text. These types of data, as well as many others, can be saved and opened from different computing devices, but not necessarily all devices. This is because certain types of software are required to retrieve the data.

Let's look at music. Most people have a smartphone or MP3 player (iPod) where music is stored and played. In order to get the music onto the device, the data (the songs themselves) had to be saved. After the music is saved, it can be retrieved from that particular device at any time.

Some devices share the same data. This occurs when data is stored "in the cloud". Cloud storage is a way to store and retrieve data on the internet instead of on the hard drive of a computing device. The data is stored on massive servers that manage capacity, security, and durability. Individuals can access their data from the cloud storage system through the internet. Common cloud storage includes Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud. However, there are more options available.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

This first image shows how data from different devices can be stored in the cloud and then accessed by other devices.

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This second image shows some of the different types of data that can be stored on the cloud. As you look at the image, think about the different types of data that you personally store in the cloud.

These two images should give you a better understanding of one way in which data can be stored and retrieved on multiple devices.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

Now, let's turn to data and appropriate devices. Think about the last time you had to type an essay or long paper. What type of computing device did you use to complete the work? It's quite possible that the work was done and saved on a desktop computer or laptop computer and not a tablet or smartphone. This is most often because of usability and software. A tablet and smartphone are not ideal for typing large amounts. Additionally, the same software is required on any device a user wants to use to retrieve data. For example, let's say I score all my students' tests and put their scores into an Excel spreadsheet. The next day, I want to add scores for another assessment into the spreadsheet. In order for me to do that, Excel needs to be installed on whichever device I plan to use, which probably isn't going to be my smartphone.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

Below is a list of different types of data a person might store on a device. There is also a list of different devices. Go through the list (just for yourself on scratch paper) of data types and identify which device(s) could be used to retrieve the stored data.

First grade students do not need to know the different types of storage or file formats. However, they do need to recognize that there are different types of data formats and that data can be stored and retrieved from different devices, but not all data should be stored on certain devices and not all data can be retrieved from all devices.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

2.DA.S.1 Store, copy, search, retrieve, modify, and delete information using a computing device and define the information stored as data.

All information stored and processed by a computing device is referred to as data. Data can be images, text documents, audio files, software programs or apps, video files, and many other items. Once data is stored in a computing device, such as a computer, it can be a searchable item. The data can be retrieved, modified, or even deleted.

In the previous two standards, you looked at how data storage has changed over time as well as different options for data storage today. Investigations into appropriate devices for different data retrieval was also completed. You also looked at advantages and disadvantages of storing and retrieving data on different devices. At this point, you will begin looking at exactly how the information is stored and why it is stored as data.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

The video below shows how data is stored magnetically. Magnetic storage is one of the common methods of storage. As you watch the video, think about connections to cassette tape, 8-track tape, and reel-to-reel tape technology of the past.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

Software that is installed on computing devices also has data. When a task is completed using the software, data is manipulated. Think of a game that you or someone you know frequently plays on their smartphone or tablet. The game is downloaded as an app, or application, which is a type of software designed specifically for mobile devices. Data in the game is modified each time the player reaches a new level, loses a life, or quits the game.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

The video below shows how Version History can be viewed in Google Docs. While this is a tutorial video, it is a great example of how data is stored, manipulated, stored again, and retrievable at each of the storage points. Each date and time stamp viewable in the video shows the different data storage points.

The Embedded Content of the Standard

What are some different scenarios where your students may have accessed, modified, or deleted data? How might the knowledge of information storage as data influence how students engage with different types of data?

Second graders do not need to know the specifics of how data is stored. They need to know that all information is stored as data. The data can be retrieved, modified, or even deleted.

Achieving the Standard

Achieving the Standard

Achieving the Standard

Your Turn

What Could This Look Like for My Students?

Think about what activities you would want your students to do in your classroom to develop their understanding.

1. Generate 3 lesson activities or ideas that would help students reach mastery of the standard.

2. Use the learning targets from the previous section as a guide of what students need to know.

3. Focus on the standard as an end goal.

Your Turn

Describe in at 3-5 sentences each of the 3 lesson activities or ideas you came up with according to the instructions on the previous slide.

What Resources Could Support Further Implementation?

In this final section, you will use your knowledge of the standard to examine some potential resources. When you look through the resources, it is important to recognize that students need to actively participate in developing their understanding.

Resources About the Content

How do computers store images?

What is here: This video explains how pictures are stored in the digital format of binary "1s and 0s". It also touches on color images as well as black and white.

Resource Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXZWHumclx0

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Why Do Computers Use 1s and 0s? Binary and Transistors Explained.

What is here: This video illustrates why binary is used as the primary base of data storage. The concept of using binary as a number system and data storage for a computers is explained.

Resource Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpk67YzOn5w

Resources About the Content

How do computers store data? - Memory and Function

What is here: This is a great study guide that has video content and quizzes. This site does require a membership but does have a free trial.

Resource Link: Computer Memory

Resources for Lesson Ideas

BrainPop: Data Storage Devices

What is here: This BrainPop video explains different storage devices and introduces the way data is stored on computing technologies.

Resource Link: https://educators.brainpop.com/bp-topic/data-storage-devices

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Ideas of Stored Data

What is here: This Slide Show displays the basics behind stored data in a variety of devices.

Resource Link: http://slideplayer.com/slide/7671901

Your Turn