What Am I?: Computing Systems

Since learners will need prior knowledge of hardware and software items to complete this activity, it is recommended to have your learner complete the previous activities in the K-2 grade level sequence before attempting this one.

1. Print out the Learner’s Sheet pages.
2. Gather your supplies.
3. Tell your learner about this activity: “Today, we’re going to play ‘Heads Up!’ to test what you have learned about computing systems. First, I’ll give you a card to hold up to your forehead with the word facing toward me, but don’t look at the word! Then, I’ll give you clues about what the word is and you’ll try to guess the word before the timer is up. Let’s start by cutting out the cards first.”
4. Hand your learner the sheets with the cards and have them cut the cards out.
5. Shuffle the cards and pick one at random. Hand it to your learner face down and tell them to put the blank side against their forehead so that the word faces you.
6. Find the word on the list of clues and keep it handy for yourself.
7. Set a timer for one minute and start giving your learner the clues. You can also use a clock to count the seconds instead.
8. If your learner guesses the word within one minute, mark a point on the scorecard. If they do not, write the word on the scorecard under “Words to Practice” so that your learner can use the previous activities to keep practicing these items.
9. Place the used card to the side.
10. Repeat steps 5-9 until the cards are all gone.
11. Congratulate your learner on a job well done! Use the list of words to practice any words that they might need to spend more time on.