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Understanding the Internal Aspects of a Computer and Binary Code

Description: 

Computer science is all around us.  Professionals in every field are using computer science to transform the profession. Students will learn about the basics of computer programming through engaging activities that allow the students to begin digging deeply into how a computer works.  Students will analyze how a computer functions. Inputs and outputs in computers and the world around us will be studied.

Learning Targets: 
Students will be able to accurately identify and name inputs and outputs on a computer.
Students will understand that inputs are received from the user and outputs are how the computer or device responds to those inputs.
Students will also know that computers speak in 0s and 1s and all code is transferred into 0s and 1s in order for the computer to understand the user’s inputs.
Students will be able to gain a foundational understanding of how images are transformed into 0s and 1s.
Link: 
Understanding Computers: Computer Anatomy and Binary Code
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16vGBwjTh9-anT2cil7RYJFsGO40Qgelm6I5OWI0EFgc/edit
Author: 
[email protected]
Content Area: 
Technology
Computer Science
Language: 
English
Resource Type: 
Lesson
Licensing: 
Creative Commons Licence
Grade: 
3
4
5

Student prerequisite skills and knowledge

Students will need to have a basic understanding of computer knowledge.  All other basic knowledge will be learned throughout the lessons.

How is the concept or procedure explained or demonstrated?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KkQKjthOkn_bwH0KRnBLsHlLopHUcMohLWLdHhQAuis/edit

What concepts or procedures are being explained or demonstrated in this lesson object?

Students will learn all about computer anatomy and be able to explore the internal pieces of a computer.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn about binary code and run length encoding and practice transferring an image into a bitmap using run length encoding.

What was your experience, both successes and challenges, using this lesson object with your students?

The students LOVED the lessons, especially being able to dissect a computer and see the computer's internal aspects.  Students were able to engage in questions they had previously had questioned about how computers work.  The students also enjoyed completing the task that allowed them to think like a computer.  Each activity was engaging for the students and allowed for 100% student participation.