The SEPjr Program

Let's Try: What’s Inside A Computer

Objectives

• Learn how Physical Computing investigates computer-human interaction design.
• Gain a better understanding of a computer system.
• Gain a better understanding of physical computing and how it connects to the CS Practices and Concepts.
• Learn different strategies for teaching computer science w/ Physical Computing.
• Learn about planning and participating in Maker Month.

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Reflection Questions (p. 2)

1. How do you interact with technology? Computers?
2. How do students interact with technology? Computers?
3. How would you describe the interaction of hardware and software?
4. What are some ways we may interact with computers in the future?
5. How would you describe an input for a computer?
6. How would you describe an output for a computer?
7. What are some other strategies for teaching Physical Computing?

Computer Science is the…

Let’s Try: What’s Inside A Computer

Computer Hardware

Essential/Driving Question: What is inside a computer?

Hello Ruby - What’s Inside A Computer (p.24)

• Have you ever peeked inside a computer?
• In this exercise you will get a chance to draw and discuss what computers hide inside them.
• After sharing your drawings, either open up an old computer with the class or look for a video or pictures online.
• Draw how you imagine a computer works.
• What does the inside look like?
• How does it function?
• Is there magic?

On Your Own: What’s Inside A Computer

Draw what you think the inside a computer looks like.

Hello Ruby - What’s Inside A Computer (p.24)

Hello Ruby - What’s Inside A Computer (p.24)

Assessment Strategy: Reflection Questions

• How do the drawings look different? Why is that?
• What different ideas did you come up with when thinking about how to draw the inside of a computer?
• Have you looked inside a computer before? What did you see?

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Wrap Up: What’s Inside A Computer

What’s Inside A Computer

Hello Ruby - Who’s Who Worksheet (p.25)

• The different components inside a computer, like CPU, GPU, RAM and ROM as well as Hard Drive, each have a special task.
• This activity helps students learn more about each one!

Hello Ruby - Computer Memory Game

The computer needs memory to work as well as many other components. With this memory game you'll get to know the different components of a computer. You'll also get to test and develop your own memory.

• Print out the computer memory game cards.
• Mix the cards up and arrange them face down on the table.
• Turn two cards at a time to see if they match.
• Virus warning!

Hello Ruby - Computer Memory Game

GCFLearnFree.org - Inside A Computer

GCFLearnFree.org - Inside A Computer

Next Steps

• Try the different What’s Inside A Computer activities with your students.
• Think about different assessment strategies for the What’s Inside A Computer activities.
• Watch the next video in the series “Teaching Strategies: Unplugged & Crafting Content”.

Check Us Out

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Checkout participating teachers learning, photos, and videos on social media! Use @CSForAllNYC #SEPjrNYC

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Join The Conversation

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Join the SEPjr Microsoft Teams Group to help stay connected and up to date with resources, opportunities and much more.

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Thank you from the CS4All Team!

We look forward to supporting you and your cs program!