Year 4 Inside a Computer
Pupil Activity Code: CVW4 – What is it?
Progression of skills in this pack:
1. Understand what important parts of inside a computer or mobile device do to help with the performance (CPU, Fan, Hard Drive, RAM, Graphics Card).
2. Understand that memory is measured in bytes and gigabytes.
3. Use search filters on websites to find suitable information. (Activity 5)
National Curriculum Content
Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
1 hour
Introduction
The videos and activities below help pupils understand how important parts inside a computer make it function. The videos cover the CPU, Fan, Hard Drive and RAM. The graphics card is also described. As part of the input you may want to discuss with the class the importances of electrical safety, using the SwitchedOn Kids website to help.
š What do pupils need?
Pupils can access the videos and activities below using the pupil code. Access to a computer website such as Currys, John Lewis or Argos for activity 5 and the printed PDF documents for activities 5 and 6 for pupils to write answers on.
ā
AssessmentĀ
Activities 5 and 6 help for pupils to show theirĀ understanding by researching computers and also matching the part with its purpose.Ā
Pupil Activity Pack – teacher view
Introduction
We all use computers and mobile devices such as phones and tablets but have you every thought what is inside them that makes them work? Watch the videos below to learn about the different parts inside computers and then try the activities.Ā
1. Core Processing Unit (CPU) and Fan
Watch this video to learn about the CPU and how it is the brain of the computer. The video also demonstrates how the fan keeps the CPU cool.Ā
2. Hard Drive
Watch this video to learn about the hard drive, including what a gigabyte is, different types of hard drive and how we need to keep an eye on hard drive.Ā
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Watch this video to learn how RAM helps the computer run quicker when we are using different applications and tasks Ā at the same time. Ā Ā
4. Graphics Card
The graphics card is basically responsible for converting the data in the computer into the images, video and graphics you see on screen so the better the graphics card the smoother and better the images, videos and graphics will look.Ā It also frees up the CPU to do other tasks.Ā
5. Computer Finder
Watch this video to how to use a website such asĀ Currys to find computers for people on the Computer Finder Activity below.
6. Computer Repair Shop
You are working in a computer repair shop and people bring in their computers with problems. Can you match the problems down the left side with what is causing it down the right side by drawing a line? (answers below for teachers)
