Hartburn Computing

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Computing

Systems and Searching

Six lessons. It begins with what a system is: parts that work together. That idea runs right through to how a search engine finds, ranks and shapes the results a person sees. Builds on Year 3 Connecting Computers and Year 4 The Internet.

Words for this unit

More are added as each lesson is built.

What do we call two or more devices joined together?

a network

Name a device that can connect to a network.

laptop, tablet, phone, printer, games console

What is the job of a server?

it stores information and shares it with other devices

What do you think the word system means?

By the end of today

  • Explain that a system is built from a number of parts
  • Describe the input, process and output of a digital system
  • Show how the parts of a system communicate with each other

Can you name the parts of this bicycle?

A road bike, seen from the side

Some parts work together for one job

PartHandlebars
PartFront fork
JobThe bike steers

Turn the handlebars, the fork turns, the front wheel points a new way. That's the steering system.

Find another system on the bike

Use the activity sheet. Pick the pedals and chain, the brakes, or a wheel. Draw the parts and write how they work together.

Watch: what are input, process and output?

A quick explainer before we look at digital systems.

Open the BBC Bitesize video

How a washing machine works

InputDials and buttons you setsomething that goes into the system
ProcessThe computer inside follows a programthe work the system does with its inputs
OutputClothes washed and spun, timer on the displaywhat the system produces or sends out

A talking teddy is a system too

InputYou squeeze its paw
ProcessA chip runs its program
OutputThe speaker says "hello"

Sort the teddy's parts

Input

Process

Output

Design a system

Pick one: a smart bin, a smart nightlight, or your own idea.

Label its input (what starts it, not a body part), its process, and its output.

Scan to open the task on an iPad

Order the smart locker steps

Spot the mistakes

Tap each wrong word you find.

0 of 3 found

Explain to the person next to you: what is a system?

A system is a set of parts that work together to do a task. The parts might be components, devices, or people.

How confident are you now?

Not sure yetGetting thereConfident

Where we are

Today

  • Saw that systems are built from lots of parts
  • Explored how the parts work together in different systems

Next lesson

  • How devices and processes are connected in systems
  • The benefits of computer systems

Calibrate the tap points

Click a part name, then click that part on the bike. The dot moves and it goes to the next part. Copy the text when you are done. Press Esc to close.

Systems and Searching · Lesson 1

Systems

Your task

Design a system of your own: a smart bin, a smart nightlight, a smart pencil case, or your own idea. Draw it, then write:

Last, think of one more thing it could do.

Quick check