Computers Lesson Plan: Networks and Systems Design

Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8

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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Computers, and supports the standard of explaining the functions of common software and hardware components of computing systems. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Ask students:

  • How do you use computers in your daily life?
  • Which parts of the computer can you see?
  • How do you think the different parts of the computer work together? 

Step 2: BUILD KNOWLEDGE

  • Read the description on the Computers topic page.
  • Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding. 
  • Assign Related Reading. Have students read one of the following articles: “Famous Faces” or “Real Life.” Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.

Step 3: APPLY and ASSESS 

Assign the Computers Quiz, prompting students to apply essential literacy skills while demonstrating what they learned about this topic.

Step 4: DEEPEN and EXTEND

Students express what they learned about computers while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.

  • Make-a-Movie: Produce a commercial for a computer that explains how it works. 
  • Make-a-Map: Create a concept map identifying hardware and software components of a computer. Analyze how they interact with one another. 
  • Creative Coding: Code a museum exhibit featuring different parts of a computer, including both hardware and software.  
  • Primary Source Activity: Watch a movie about one of the first computing machines. Cite evidence to answer the accompanying questions. 

More to Explore 

Time Zone X: Computers: Place historical events in chronological order in this interactive timeline game.

Computer Science Unit: Continue to build understanding around computers by exploring more BrainPOP topics.

Teacher Support Resources:

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    Filed as:  3-5, 6-8, BrainPOP, Computer, Lesson Ideas, Lesson Plan