Unit 1: Introduction to Computing & Digital Literacy
Unit outline: Here
Unit Length: 12 class periods
Unit Introduction
This unit introduces students to foundational concepts in computing and digital literacy. Students explore why computing matters, how computing has changed over time, how algorithms are used to complete tasks, and how hardware, software, and operating systems work together in computing systems.
Students begin with the relevance and history of computing, then move into algorithmic thinking through hands-on activities. They investigate computer hardware through a trading card project and hardware exploration, then connect hardware to software and operating systems through a software sorting challenge. The unit ends with students applying their understanding of hardware, software, operating systems, user needs, constraints, evidence, and tradeoffs to recommend technology for specific users.
Unit Objective
Students will understand what computing is, why it matters, and how the foundational building blocks of computing — including algorithms, hardware, software, operating systems, and user-centered technology evaluation — impact the digital systems people use every day.
Standards Covered
- 4565.D1.1 — Define algorithms and explain what algorithms are used for.
- 4565.D1.3 — Explain why and how sequence matters in an algorithm.
- 4565.D1.4 — Introduced/partially addressed through non-code algorithm revision and debugging activities.
- 4565.D3.1 — Demonstrate awareness of the history of computing.
- 4565.D4.2 — Evaluate computing devices and software based on functionality, cost, accessibility, aesthetics/design, security, hardware/software needs, and user constraints.
- 4565.D4.4 — Explain how an operating system, other software, and hardware work together.
Word Bytes
Students will build a personal “Word Bytes” digital dictionary throughout the unit. Key terms include:
- Computer Science – The study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, hardware and software designs, applications, and impact on society.
- Computing Innovation – A new or improved technology, tool, system, or idea that uses computing to solve a problem, improve a task, or change how people live, work, learn, or communicate.
- Algorithm – A step-by-step set of instructions a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
Process – A running program or a task being executed by the operating system. - Hardware – The physical components of a computer system.
- Motherboard – The central board that connects and allows communication between all hardware components.
- Input Device – Hardware used to send data into a computer.
- Output Device – Hardware that receives and displays results from the computer.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The main chip in a computer that performs most of the processing by following instructions.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – A specialized processor designed to render images and video and handle parallel processing tasks.
- Storage Device – Hardware used to store digital data.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU) – The component that converts electrical power into usable power for the internal parts of a computer.
- Software – Programs and other operating information used by a computer.
- Operating System (OS) – Software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides services for application programs.
- Application Software – Programs designed to help the user perform specific tasks.
- Utility Software – Tools that help manage, maintain, or optimize a computer system.
- System Interaction – The way hardware, software, and the operating system work together to complete a task.
- Requirement – A feature or capability that an option must have to meet the user’s needs.
- Preference – A feature the user would like but does not necessarily need.
- Constraint – A limit or condition that must be considered when choosing a solution.
- Functionality – What a device, tool, or system can do for a user.
- Accessibility – Features that help different users access and use technology successfully.
- Aesthetics/Design – The physical look, size, weight, layout, or feel of a device.
- Tradeoff – A choice where gaining one benefit may mean giving up something else.
- Recommendation – A supported suggestion for the best choice based on a user’s needs and evidence.
- Evidence – Specific information that supports a claim or recommendation.
Daily Breakdown
Day 1: Welcome & Word Bytes Introduction
Objective: Students will get to know each other, understand the class structure and expectations, and create their personal Word Bytes digital dictionary.
Materials Needed: Classroom rules, First Day poster template, Word Bytes dictionary template
Activities:
- Teacher and student introductions
- Classroom expectations overview
- Set up Word Bytes digital dictionary
- Create First Day poster or get-to-know-you activity
- Preview the unit arc: computing relevance, history, algorithms, hardware, software, systems, and technology evaluation
Day 2: The Why and History of Computing
Objective: Students will explore the personal and societal relevance of computer science by connecting their interests to real-world computing applications and examining how computing has evolved over time.
Materials Needed: “Who Likes To…” prompts, Then & Now game cards/slides
Activities:
- Warm-up connecting everyday tools to computer science
- “Who Likes To…” activity linking student interests to CS fields
- Then & Now technology matching activity
- Mini-lesson on the evolution of computing
- Discussion on computing innovations and their impact
Day 3: What Are Algorithms?
Objective: Students will understand the concept of an algorithm by writing and following step-by-step instructions to complete a task and by applying algorithmic thinking through real-world and kinesthetic challenges.
Materials Needed: PBJ supplies or simulation materials, blindfold, small prize or target, PBJ Algorithm Recording Sheet
Activities:
- Warm-up on everyday step-by-step routines
- PBJ Algorithm Challenge
- Partner testing and revision of algorithms
- Robo Walker / Captain Algorithm kinesthetic activity
- Reflection on why computers need clear, specific, correctly ordered instructions
Day 4: Hardware Trading Cards – Introduction
Objective: Students will begin a group project to research and design a trading card for a hardware component, including the component’s function, system role, and connection to user needs.
Materials Needed: Computer hardware video, hardware trading cards, card template, component draw box, rubric
Activities:
- Hardware overview
- Assign partners and hardware components
- Begin research and design planning
- Identify component function, system role, and possible user/task connections
Day 5: Hardware Trading Cards – Work Day
Objective: Students will continue building their hardware trading cards using research, visuals, and examples that explain the component’s function, system role, and importance.
Materials Needed: Devices, card templates, research resources, rubric
Activities:
- Partner research and work time
- Teacher check-ins
- Peer feedback as needed
- Revise explanations for clarity and accuracy
Day 6: Hardware Trading Cards – Presentations
Objective: Students will present their hardware trading cards and explain each component’s function, system role, and importance within a computing system.
Materials Needed: Finalized cards, rubric, presentation space
Activities:
- Partner presentations
- Class feedback and discussion
- Hardware component review
- Connect components to larger computing systems and user tasks
Day 7: Computer Hardware Exploration
Objective: Students will identify real or virtual computer components and describe their functions and system roles.
Materials Needed: Openable computers or virtual hardware exploration resources, Hardware Scavenger Hunt or Virtual Hardware Scavenger Hunt
Activities:
- Explore computer hardware physically or virtually
- Identify components and system roles
- Explain how components work together
- Reflect on which components matter most for different users or tasks
Day 8: Software Sorting Challenge
Objective: Students will distinguish between operating systems, application software, and utility software and explain how software, the operating system, and hardware work together in a computing system.
Materials Needed: Software Sorting Challenge, Kahoot or sorting platform, devices
Activities:
- Review software categories
- Software sorting game or activity
- Mini-activity: User action → Application software → Operating system → Hardware → Output
Discussion on how software depends on hardware and operating systems
Day 9: Choosing Technology for a User
Objective: Students will recommend hardware and software for a specific user by identifying the user’s needs, applying constraints, comparing options, and explaining the tradeoffs involved.
Materials Needed: Day 9 Choosing Technology for a User Worksheet
Activities:
- Requirement, preference, and constraint activity
- Need It or Want It? scenario
- Complete-solution cost example
- Weak vs. strong recommendation comparison
- Recommendation practice
- Exit ticket on missed requirements or constraints
Day 10: Device Recommendation Challenge – Build & Defend
Objective: Students will apply the technology recommendation process by analyzing a user scenario, identifying requirements, preferences, and constraints, comparing technology options, calculating complete solution costs, and selecting a supported device recommendation.
Materials Needed: Days 10–11 Technology Recommendation Challenge Worksheet
Activities:
- Review Day 9 recommendation process
- Assign user scenarios
- Identify user goal, requirements, preferences, and constraints
- Evaluate technology options
- Eliminate options that fail essential requirements
- Calculate complete solution costs
- Select a preliminary recommendation
- Begin final recommendation paragraph
Day 11: Device Recommendation Challenge – Present, Feedback & Reflect
Objective: Students will finalize, present, and defend a technology recommendation for a specific user scenario using evidence, complete cost, and tradeoff analysis.
Materials Needed: Days 10–11 Technology Recommendation Challenge Worksheet, optional feedback slips
Activities:
- Finalize recommendation
- Prepare short share-out
- Present and defend recommendation
- Ask and answer questions
- Complete feedback and reflection
- Discuss why technology should be evaluated for a specific user or task
Day 12: Unit Wrap-Up & Optional Post-Test
Objective: Students will review and reflect on what they have learned about computing, computing innovations, algorithms, hardware, software, systems, and technology evaluation.
Materials Needed: Optional post-test, devices if administering digitally, Word Bytes dictionaries, completed Days 10–11 worksheet
Activities:
- Unit review discussion
- Word Bytes recap
- Device Recommendation Reflection
- Optional post-test
- Optional performance task: Explain a Computing System or Recommend a Technology Solution
- Preview Unit 2: digital safety, cybersecurity, privacy, and protecting information when using computing systems and networks
Unit Wrap-Up Objective
Students will be able to define algorithms, explain why sequence matters, describe the historical and everyday relevance of computing, identify hardware and software roles, explain how hardware, software, and operating systems work together, and evaluate technology choices based on user needs, constraints, evidence, and tradeoffs.