How Computers Work: CPU, Memory, Input & Output
From Code.org: CS Fundamentals
4 min4th5th6thTechnology
Summary
This episode introduces the CPU as the computer's "brain," memory as where it temporarily keeps information it's working with, and input/output devices as how it talks to the world -- the four main parts working together.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
This video explains four key computer parts: the CPU, memory, input devices, and output devices.
- What job does the CPU do?
- What's the difference between memory and an output device?
- Name one input device and one output device on a computer you use.
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: CPU, memory, input, output.
Try it: Draw and label a simple computer (real or imagined) showing its CPU, memory, one input device, and one output device.