Beginner
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+80 XP
Pupils work through this independently

What Is a Computer?: Hardware Vs Software

In this lesson you distinguish hardware from software using school and work examples. Sort items into categories, compare device types for real tasks, name computer parts in plain language, and describe your own device with one upgrade for your Something Real project.

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    1 - Introduction ~5 mins

    Today you will

    • sort things into hardware and software
    • pick the best device for a task
    • make a page about your own computer called {{code:01_my_machine}}

    Hardware is the parts you can touch. Software is the programs you only see on the screen.

    Warm-up

    Look at your device. Write down three things you can touch and three things that only appear on the screen.

    2 - Key Concepts ~5 mins

    Hardware is any part of a computer you can touch, like a keyboard or a screen.

    Software is the programs that tell the hardware what to do, like a web browser or a word processor.

    Storage is the part that keeps your files safe when you switch off.

    Device types are laptop, desktop, tablet and smartphone. Each one suits different jobs.

    Example

    A laptop is best for writing a long report. A phone is fine for a quick photo of your workplace.

    3 - Hardware or Software? ~14 mins

    Before you drag any cards, talk through each one with the class. Say which group it belongs in and why. Change your mind if someone gives a better reason.

    Be ready to explain one of your choices out loud.

    Watch out

    The operating system is software, because you can't pick it up. Spreadsheet formulas are software too.

    Hardware or software?

    4 - Common Issues ~5 mins

    Common snags

    • Is the operating system hardware? No, it's software. You can't pick it up.
    • Is a phone hardware or software? The phone itself is hardware. The apps on it are software.
    • Can't find your computer's details? On a Chromebook, go to {{menu:Settings -> About Chrome OS}}. On Windows, go to {{menu:Settings -> System -> About}}. On a Mac, go to {{menu:Apple menu -> About This Mac}}.

    5 - Portfolio Build ~20 mins

    Headings to paste

    • Device type:
    • Screen:
    • Keyboard:
    • Operating system:
    • Storage:
    • For my Something Real task:
    • Upgrade for my Something Real:

    Aoife's example (café Work Experience report)

    {{code:01_my_machine}}

    • Device type: School Chromebook (laptop-style)
    • Screen: about 11-inch built-in screen
    • Keyboard: built-in keyboard and trackpad
    • Operating system: Chrome OS
    • Storage: mainly Google Drive (cloud); small local storage on the device
    • For my Something Real task: writing a 4-page Work Experience report, a laptop would beat a phone because long typing and editing need a real keyboard and a wider screen.
    • Upgrade for my Something Real: If I were setting up a workspace for my Work Experience report, I would buy an external mouse so long editing sessions are kinder on my wrist.

    Portfolio task

    Your goal: Describe your computer and one upgrade that would help your Something Real project.
    Time: ~20 minutes
    Task:
    1. Open your Project Portfolio folder in {{code:drive.google.com}} or {{code:onedrive.com}}.
    2. Start a blank document there and name it {{code:01_my_machine}}.
    3. Paste in the headings and fill in the first five lines.
    4. Say which device type would be best for a job you have, and why.
    5. Say what one upgrade you would add, and how it helps your project.

    If Settings is locked, just copy Aoife's level of detail.

    Success criteria:
    • {{code:01_my_machine}} is saved in my Project Portfolio folder.
    • It names my device, screen, keyboard, operating system and storage.
    • It compares two device types for a real job.
    • My upgrade would help my own project.
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