All Activities
Computing

In and Out: Understanding Input and Output

Overview

Students explore how everyday systems (including computers) take something in, process it, and give something out.

Learning Objective
Students understand that systems take input, process it, and produce output.

Resources needed

  • No materials required
  • Optional: simple objects

Lesson stages

0 / 10 done
  1. 1 Introduce input and output with simple examples (e.g. press button → light turns on).
  2. 2 Students identify inputs and outputs in everyday objects.
  3. 3 In pairs, act out simple systems (e.g. clap → jump).
  4. 4 Discuss what happens in between (process).
  5. 5 Students design their own input-output system.
  6. 6 Test systems with a partner.
  7. 7 Refine instructions.
  8. 8 Share examples.
  9. 9 Whole-class discussion: how do computers use input and output?
  10. 10 Reflect on how systems work.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Add multiple inputs.
  • Create chains of systems.
  • Use real-life examples (machines).
More information

Teach: input, output, process, system. Use frames: 'Input is… output is…'.

Use gestures instead of words.

Can students identify input and output? Can they explain the process?

Fully unplugged.

Students may skip the process step between input and output.

Input-process-output is a core concept in computing systems.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25 minutes no prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Input Output Systems Computational Thinking