Hardware and Software

Computers are like magic machines made of hardware and software! Hardware is all the cool stuff you can see and touch, like the keyboard, screen, and even the tiny chips inside. Software is like the brain of the computer — it’s the games, apps, and programs that tell the hardware what to do. When we learn about computers, we discover how hardware and software work together like a team to make everything happen. In school, we use them to create projects, play games, and solve problems. Understanding them is like unlocking the secret power to control and create with technology! Cool, right?

intention
INTENTION

The intention of this unit is to provide an introduction to hardware and software and how they are used in computing.

implementation
IMPLEMENTATION

Students create a student portfolio with notes and research on how computers use hardware and software.

impact
IMPACT

The impact of this unit will be measured by the students final portfolio and lesson evidence.

Help Sheets
MicroBitHelp
Virtual Pet Starter help
MicroBit Pet example


  

Key Words

block coding

Commands are grouped together in pre-programmed blocks that can be dragged and dropped together to create programs.

strings

A sequence of characters that create a message using text.

variables

A named piece of memory that holds a value that can be changed when a program runs.

IF and ELSE

Also called selection, which is a programming construct where a section of code is run only if a condition is met.

WHILE

Output devices

a sequence of instructions or code that’s repeated until a specific condition is met.

functionWHILE

Code that you can use many times, by calling it within the program, rather than writing it out multiple times.

Future Career Opportunities

programmer
Computer Programmer

Skills

  • Programming
  • Teamwork
  • Working to a deadline

Average UK Salary £57,000

website
Website Designer

Skills

 

  • Creating ideas
  • Communication with clients
  • Working to a deadline 

Average UK Salary £25 - £35,000

graphics
Graphics Designer

Skills

 

  • Creative skills
  • Working with clients
  • Working to a deadline 

Average UK Salary £26,000