Inside the Machine: Grades 3 to 5
How the parts of a computer work as a system, how the internet moves information, and a real troubleshooting method.
Free, start to finish. No card. Every week opens without signing in.
- Grade
- Grades 3 to 5
- Length
- 12 weeks
- Pace
- 6 short lessons a week, about 15 minutes each
- Price
- Free, every week
About this course
Inside the Machine for Grades 3 to 5 opens up the computer without opening the case. Over 12 weeks kids learn how input, processor, memory, storage, output, power and network work together as a system, what an operating system and files are, how a message travels the internet in packets, and how to keep information safe. In the Fix-It Bay with Rocket, Raven and Nova they learn a troubleshooting method (notice, name it, test one thing at a time, ask), the safe fixes a kid may do and the never list, and finish by designing a computer for a purpose. Short lessons every weekday with answers checked as they go, and an offline Crew Quest each weekend.
Kids will
- Describe how input, processor, memory, storage, output and power form a system
- Explain binary, bytes and the difference between memory and storage
- Model how a message travels the internet in packets
- Use a troubleshooting method: notice, name it, test one thing, ask
- Apply the safe-fixes checklist and know the never list
- Keep information safe and design a computer for a purpose and its users
The 12 weeks
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Week 1
A computer is a system
Hardware, software and the path from input to output
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Week 2
Input and output
Devices that take information in and send it out
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Week 3
The processor
One instruction at a time, billions of times a second
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Week 4
Memory and storage
The workbench and the shelf
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Week 5
How the parts connect
Boards, ports, cables and radio
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Week 6
Power and heat
From the wall to the warm little fan
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Week 7
Software and files
The instructions that bring the parts to life
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Week 8
Networks and the internet
How a message leaves the device and finds its way
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Week 9
The troubleshooting method
Notice, name it, test one thing, write it down, ask
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Week 10
Safe fixes
The checklist and the never list
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Week 11
Keeping information safe
Locks, copies and tricky messages
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Week 12
Design a computer
Pick parts for a purpose
More in Code Crew
Try Week 1 today.
Open the course, pick Day 1 and go. Make a free parent account when you want progress saved for each kid.