Name Parts of a Computer and Terms for Interface Elements
Familiarize your young learners with the parts of a computer and some basic key terms relating to technology. As the teacher demonstrates using an LCD projector, class members practice moving a mouse, opening the Internet, typing in a...
Curated OER
Computer Basics and Appropriate Use
View this PowerPoint and go over the basic rules about computers. It is well-suited for all ages because the rules apply to all learners. Everyone benefits from knowing the terms for working with computers. But more importantly, make...
Curated OER
"Self-Portrait with a Cartoon"
Here is a really fun way to integrate self-portraits, cartooning, and basic computer skills. The class learns to use Photoshop to manipulate a hand-drawn, cartoon, or photographic image of themselves onto a separate background. They...
Science 4 Inquiry
Introducing the Types of Energy
Young scientists explore many different types of energy including light, heat, nuclear, sound, potential, and more. They match the types of energy and identify when energy transfers from one type to another.
Curated OER
Computer Applications - 4
Students review their understanding of basic computer terminology. They demonstrate an understanding of the function of each major computer component. They identify some characteristics of the Windows operating system.
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Developing Accuracy on Keyboard
Don't worry, just QWERTY! Pupils work to improve their typing speed and accuracy by completing online drills and charting their progress. Additionally, they create a how-to guide for proper keyboarding techniques.
Curated OER
Computer Basics
Students review basic terminology that they would use to reference computers in media arts. In this computer terminology lesson plan, students use terms frequently.
Science 4 Inquiry
Frenemies, Bros and Killers: A Lesson in Symbiosis
Animals and plants develop relationships and rely on each other to survive. Pupils learn more about symbiosis through a video, a hands-on matching activity, and a game. They differentiate and describe each type on a written evaluation.
Kenan Fellows
Engineering Skills Through Problem Based Learning
Navigate the ups and downs of learning about energy. Future engineers consider how potential and kinetic energy apply to roller coasters. They design a roller coaster of their own and then use computer design software to showcase their...
Code.org
Good and Bad Data Visualizations
Good versus bad data. Pairs rate online collections of data representations from good to bad and then suggest ways to improve the visualizations. The class then creates a list of best practices and common errors in data representations...
Curated OER
Merging New Technology with Old Stories
Is your city's history a mystery to your class? Ever wonder if your county contains a bounty of folklore? Young computer scientists incorporate technology with time-honored tales during a project with both individual and group...
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Business Document Formatting
Pupils learn about the various types of business documents and discover how to enhance them using word processing tools. Next, they respond to hypothetical business scenarios by writing professional letters.
Curated OER
Creating a Picture Dictionary
Second graders create a reading, vocabulary,picture dictionary on the computer. They participate in becoming familiar with some basic capabilities of a word processor. They build vocabulary, spelling, and dictionary skills, reinforce...
Curated OER
"Newimals"
It's fun to dream up crazy or new types of animals. Let your high schoolers' dream animals become a reality by engaging them in a fun photo manipulation activity that requires them to synthesize two images, match colors, textures, and...
Curated OER
An Animal Report
Third graders create reports in the fashion of small books. They write brief descriptions for a variety of topics and answering a variety of questions. They create a picture book for their individual animals. They utilize basic computer...
Microsoft
Plagiarism Fair Use Copyright
Nothing makes junior high and high school teachers more frustrated than plagiarism. Instruct young writers about copyright laws and the correct ways to paragraph information without copying the exact words. A set of secondary-level...
Curated OER
Alphabetizing
Typing is an essential skill in our day and age! Introduce your second graders to computer typing by teaching them the correct placement of the fingers on a keyboard. Then, they complete an assignment using the word processor.
Curated OER
Author, Author
First graders engage in this interesting lesson on letter writing and writing skills. In it, youngsters listen to the Jan Brett story, The Mitten, as a warm-up. They think of other animals of the world they could ask Jan Brett to include...
TryEngineering
Search Engines
Introduce search engines with an activity that models how search engines work and the different algorithms they employ. Working in groups, class members then build search queries to demonstrate the knowledge learned.
Curated OER
Holiday Cards
Students review basic computer skills needed to create a holiday card along with a database of at least twenty five contacts. They create their family greeting card including graphics, correct spelling an grammar. Using their database...
Curated OER
Cloud Identification
Students study types of clouds. In this earth science lesson, students read the book The Cloud Book. Students use photos to examine each type of cloud and visit suggested websites.
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Developing Speed (Alpha, Numeric, and Keypad)
Hurry up! Pupils practice developing speed on a keyboard, participating in a series of drills to improve efficiency. After tracking their progress, they create an electronic guide about proper keyboarding techniques.
California Academy of Science
Building Better Buses: Transportation Design Challenges
Scholars learn about a series of three challenges when they design a bus system for a small town. They determine the bus routes and then figure out the best type of fuel to use before considering the cost of going electric. Learners...
Curated OER
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Gets Connected
Students view video clips from the TV show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" to show their different uses of computers. They review the steps involved in designing and planning a networked office or home and analyze the needs of the users...