What Is the Difference Between Hardware and Software?

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

Overview

After watching How Computers Work: Hardware and Software, students will gain an understanding of the difference between hardware and software by experts from Amazon, Xbox, and Microsoft. Students will complete the worksheet "What is the difference between hardware and software?" as they watch/listen to the video. Students will develop open-ended questions regarding hardware and software that they want to know more about.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

DLCS18.3.19
Describe the differences between hardware and software.

Vocabulary

hardware
software

Knowledge

Students know:

hardware is the physical device.
software is the code installed on the device that makes it work.

Skills

Students are able to:

determine the differences between hardware and software.
describe the differences between hardware and software.

Understanding

Students understand that:

hardware and software are different components that make a computing device function.
hardware is the physical device.
software is the code installed on the device that makes it function.

Learning Objectives

Students will define and describe hardware, software, central processing unit (CPU), operating system, binary and programming language.

Activity Details

Students will:

View and discuss Code.org’s video How Computers Work: Hardware and Software, in which Erica from Amazon, Jerome from Xbox, and Bill Gates from Microsoft define and explain the difference between hardware and software.

Complete the worksheet "What is the difference between hardware and software?" as they watch/listen to the video.

Restate their learning to a partner to ensure understanding of key terms: hardware, software, central processing unit (CPU), operating system, binary and programming language.

Use the Question Formulation Technique (see the Advanced Preparation section for instructions) to develop questions with a small group for the prompt “Computers do what they are told.”

Assessment Strategies

Student's knowledge will be accessed through their note-taking worksheet, "What is the difference between hardware and software?"

Variation Tips

Students research different programming languages and create an informational artifact showing their knowledge. Examples of programming languages are Scratch, Ruby, Python, Java, and C++.

Background / Preparation

Pre-watch the video How Computers Work: Hardware and Software.

Make a copy or download the worksheet, "What is the difference between hardware and software?"

Gather large paper or poster size Post-it notes and markers for student-generated questions

Read the article "Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Questions" by Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana, to understand how to implement the Question Formulation Technique.

Step 1: Teachers Design a Question Focus. Step 2: Students Produce Questions. Step 3: Students Improve Their Questions. Step 4: Students Prioritize Their Questions. Step 5: Students and Teachers Decide on Next Steps. Step 6: Students Reflect on What They Have Learned.

How Computers Work: Hardware and Software YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnyFYiK2rSY

Approved Date

2018-07-15

Owner (Author)

aprilchamberlai

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