What others say
Description
Help your students understand the “how” behind the technology they use every day with Unit 5: Hardware Systems & Information Flow — the fifth unit in the How Computers Work series for elementary technology education.
This ready-to-teach digital unit includes 6 engaging lessons that explore the parts of a computer system, how they work together, and how information flows between components. With Google Slides presentations, embedded digital practice activities, and a comprehensive Teacher Guide PDF, this resource makes teaching tech skills easier than ever.
Your students will dive into input/output devices, processing and storage components, and internal vs. external hardware—while building digital literacy and problem-solving skills along the way. Each lesson includes interactive elements, clear visuals, vocabulary practice, and optional extension activities.
💡 What’s Included:
- PDF Teacher Guide with lesson walkthroughs, vocabulary, and extension ideas
- 6 Google Slides presentations (1 per lesson)
- Embedded interactive digital activities for student engagement
- Link list for easy classroom distribution
- Printable handouts and visuals
Unit 5: Behind the Scenes
What is a CPU?
The "brain" of the computer.
How Does a Computer Solve Problems?
Algorithms and processing power.
What is an Operating System?
Windows, macOS, and how they manage software.
How Do Computers Display Pictures and Videos?
Pixels, graphics cards, and video processing.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
How computers learn and respond.
What Happens When You Press ‘Shut Down’?
Closing programs and saving data.
🎯 Skills Students Will Build:
- Identifying computer hardware components
- Understanding information flow in tech systems
- Differentiating between input, output, storage, and processing
- Diagramming how devices work together
✅ Aligned to ISTE Standards for Students:
- Empowered Learner (1a, 1d) – Understand how technology works and make informed choices
- Knowledge Constructor (3a) – Compare and evaluate types of hardware
- Innovative Designer (4a) – Use tech creatively to model systems
- Computational Thinker (5b, 5d) – Break down how tech systems process information
💻 Tech Requirements:
Use on any device with access to Google Slides or PowerPoint. Perfect for 1:1 classrooms, computer labs, or projector-based instruction.
🛍️ Perfect For:
- Elementary Computer Lab Teachers
- Technology Integration Specialists
- Upper Elementary Classrooms
- STEM & Digital Literacy Units
🌟 Build digital confidence and teach real-world tech skills with this comprehensive, plug-and-play unit that students (and teachers) will love!
Product Terms:
Copyright © Brittany Washburn. Purchasing this file entitles you to ONE classroom use. You may use this with multiple classes but may not share with any other teachers. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. If multiple licenses are needed for use my more than one teacher or in more than one computer lab, additional licenses are discounted.
If you would like to get updates on NEW and CURRENT resources for technology teachers...
Hardware Systems & Information Flow – How Computers Work Series Unit 5
Highlights
What others say
Save even more with bundles
Description
Help your students understand the “how” behind the technology they use every day with Unit 5: Hardware Systems & Information Flow — the fifth unit in the How Computers Work series for elementary technology education.
This ready-to-teach digital unit includes 6 engaging lessons that explore the parts of a computer system, how they work together, and how information flows between components. With Google Slides presentations, embedded digital practice activities, and a comprehensive Teacher Guide PDF, this resource makes teaching tech skills easier than ever.
Your students will dive into input/output devices, processing and storage components, and internal vs. external hardware—while building digital literacy and problem-solving skills along the way. Each lesson includes interactive elements, clear visuals, vocabulary practice, and optional extension activities.
💡 What’s Included:
- PDF Teacher Guide with lesson walkthroughs, vocabulary, and extension ideas
- 6 Google Slides presentations (1 per lesson)
- Embedded interactive digital activities for student engagement
- Link list for easy classroom distribution
- Printable handouts and visuals
Unit 5: Behind the Scenes
What is a CPU?
The "brain" of the computer.
How Does a Computer Solve Problems?
Algorithms and processing power.
What is an Operating System?
Windows, macOS, and how they manage software.
How Do Computers Display Pictures and Videos?
Pixels, graphics cards, and video processing.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
How computers learn and respond.
What Happens When You Press ‘Shut Down’?
Closing programs and saving data.
🎯 Skills Students Will Build:
- Identifying computer hardware components
- Understanding information flow in tech systems
- Differentiating between input, output, storage, and processing
- Diagramming how devices work together
✅ Aligned to ISTE Standards for Students:
- Empowered Learner (1a, 1d) – Understand how technology works and make informed choices
- Knowledge Constructor (3a) – Compare and evaluate types of hardware
- Innovative Designer (4a) – Use tech creatively to model systems
- Computational Thinker (5b, 5d) – Break down how tech systems process information
💻 Tech Requirements:
Use on any device with access to Google Slides or PowerPoint. Perfect for 1:1 classrooms, computer labs, or projector-based instruction.
🛍️ Perfect For:
- Elementary Computer Lab Teachers
- Technology Integration Specialists
- Upper Elementary Classrooms
- STEM & Digital Literacy Units
🌟 Build digital confidence and teach real-world tech skills with this comprehensive, plug-and-play unit that students (and teachers) will love!
Product Terms:
Copyright © Brittany Washburn. Purchasing this file entitles you to ONE classroom use. You may use this with multiple classes but may not share with any other teachers. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. If multiple licenses are needed for use my more than one teacher or in more than one computer lab, additional licenses are discounted.
If you would like to get updates on NEW and CURRENT resources for technology teachers...
