Separate Hardware from Software
Classify by physical equipment versus instructions, not by whether the item is visible on a screen.
About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice
Open lesson 1Hardware and Programs Work Together
Use the pretend record: a drawing is saved, a music edit is unsaved, and the app sound is muted. Name the hardware/software distinction, what remains after shutdown and one safe sound check.
Before you begin
- Identify common computing tools and follow a supplied checklist.
Choose by skill rather than age alone. Read with an adult when useful, revisit a lesson, or explore another grade.
Follow the lesson sequence
Separate Working Memory from Saved Storage
Check whether this model says the work was saved before power ended.
About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice
Open lesson 2Name the Program for a Task
Match the requested change or output to the supplied tool’s purpose.
About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice
Open lesson 3Troubleshoot One Stated Cause at a Time
Use the clue to choose one allowed check, then observe whether the stated problem changes.
About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice
Open lesson 4Review and transfer
After the lessons, try 4 new review cases and a practical task. Each answer has an explanation and a link back to the related lesson.
Open the unit reviewGuest answers are temporary. Keep your own paper or document; this unit does not certify completion or record a school grade.
Topic references
- 2026 CSTA PK–12 Computer Science Standards: topic reference — Systems & Security
These references informed the topic selection. They do not certify complete standards alignment.