Computers take in information (input), work on it (process) and give something back (output). A keyboard, microphone and sensor are inputs; a screen, speaker and printer are outputs.
What your child will learn
- Sort devices into inputs and outputs
- Describe input → process → output for everyday machines
- Know that sensors are inputs
- Know that some devices, like touchscreens, are both
In, think, out
Press 2 + 3 on a calculator: the buttons are the input, the calculator works it out (process), and 5 appears on the screen (output). Robots work the same way — a light sensor is an input, and flashing lights or moving wheels are outputs.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. A printer is an…
- input device
- output device
- camera
- type of keyboard
Show answer
Answer: output device. Printers give information out on paper.
2. Headphones are an…
🎧- type of keyboard
- type of mouse
- input device
- output device
Show answer
Answer: output device. Headphones give out sound.
3. Which is an input on a tablet?
- The light from the screen
- The picture shown
- Touching the screen
- The sound coming out
Show answer
Answer: Touching the screen. Your touch goes into the tablet.
Tips for grown-ups
- For each gadget at home, ask “What goes in? What comes out?”
- Play input–output games: you say a number (input), your child doubles it (output).