lesson
Physical components need instructions
1 · Learn
Hardware is the physical equipment in a computer system; software provides instructions and data that make it perform tasks. Inputs supply information, processing transforms it, storage retains it and outputs communicate results.
The same device can perform different jobs because its software differs. A touchscreen combines an output display with an input surface, so categories describe functions rather than forcing each object into only one box.
2 · Worked example
In a model ticket machine, a button choice is input, software calculates a price, and a display shows the result. The screen's glass alone does not decide the price.
3 · Your turn
Why can a touchscreen be both an input and an output device?
Check your answer
It displays information and detects a user's touch as input.
4 · Apply your learning
Map the components of a fictional kiosk and label the data passing between them.
Adult guidance and safety
Use an approved private programming or authoring environment and fictional data. Do not install unknown software or enter personal credentials for these exercises. Trace first, then run and test where a suitable tool is available; these text examples do not themselves provide an executable assessment environment.
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Check a calculation · Year 5 onward
Use this only when your teacher or adult allows a calculator for the task. Show your thinking first. It does not replace mental or written arithmetic and does not mark your lesson answer.
Powers, roots and trigonometry · Year 7 onward
Use only when the task allows a calculator. Choose one operation at a time and record your working. Trigonometry here always uses degrees (DEG), not radians. Inverse sine, cosine and tangent return an angle, not a reciprocal. Keep exact fractions and π in answers when requested.
Approximate numerical results use up to 12 significant digits. Inverse sine returns −90° to 90°, inverse cosine 0° to 180°, and inverse tangent −90° to 90°; these are principal values, not every possible solution of a trigonometric equation.
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Interactive activity
Year 7 Computing learning routine
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