KS3 Computer Science - Computer Basics Lessons

A set of 8 full lessons for KS3 (Year 7/Year 8) covering computer basics unit.

Lessons cover:

Lesson 1 - Input & Output. Understand the difference between input and output. Know what an input and output device is. Give examples of different types of input devices. Give examples of different types of output devices. Understand the function of different input and output devices.

Lesson 2 - Internal Components. Understand what is meant by internal. Know what an internal component is. Understand the function of different internal components. Identify the main internal parts of a computer system.

Lesson 3 - Health Issues. What health issues can a computer cause? (Look at: Back Problems, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Eye Strain) How might we prevent these issues?

Lesson 4 - Binary. What is binary? How does a computer use binary? How do we represent a “normal” number as a binary number?

Lesson 5 - Binary. Continue looking at how do we represent a “normal” number as a binary number? Then how do we represent larger “normal” numbers as a binary number? Why do computers use binary? Why is it important? How do we convert binary to ASCII to create messages?

Lesson 6 - Network Components. Know what equipment is required to create a network. Look at: ISP (Internet Service Provider), Modem, Wireless Router, Hubs etc. Undertand the term WiFi. Understand how WiFi and hard wired networks work. Create a user guide to explain how to set up a network.

Lesson 7 - Networks. What does LAN stand for? What does WAN stand for? What is the difference between LAN and WAN? What are network topologies? Bus, ring, star, mesh topologies.

Lesson 8 - End of Unit Evaluation. Know what an evaluation is. Understand what level students have been working at. Evaluate student work - What has gone well, and what needs improving.

Lessons include:
Teacher Slides Powerpoints
Student Activities/Worksheets (Word Documents, Excel, Publisher)
Starter & Plenary Activities (Word Documents or in Teacher Slides Powerpoint)
Extension Tasks (Word Documents)
Helpsheets (Word Documents)