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Input & Output

Third graders learn that computers take information IN (input) and send information OUT (output) — and practice telling input devices like the keyboard from output devices like the screen.

Grade 3Computing Systems35 minutes1 class periodUse → Modify → CreateExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Define input.
  • ✓Define output.
  • ✓Sort devices by type.
  • ✓Explain the flow.
Essential Question

When you type on a keyboard, information goes INTO the computer. When the screen lights up, information comes OUT. What’s the difference between input and output?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Sort It · Interactive

Input or Output?

Project this and sort each device into input (info goes IN) or output (info comes OUT).

🔄 Sort each device — input or output?Try it
👉 Input (info IN)
👈 Output (info OUT)
Tap a device, then tap a bucket.
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

35 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — In and Out

5 min

Typing goes IN; the screen comes OUT — what’s the difference?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show typing and the screen.
  • Ask about in vs. out.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Watch.
  • Wonder.
  • Predict.
2

Unplugged — Input & Output

8 min

Students explore.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Explain input and output.
  • Give examples of each.
  • Note the flow.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Learn input.
  • Learn output.
  • Note flow.
3

Use — Sort Devices

9 min

Students use.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Input or Output?
  • Sort each device.
  • Explain them.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Sort them.
  • Explain.
  • Check.
4

Modify — Trace the Flow

8 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Trace info from input to output.
  • Explain a device.
  • Add an example.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Trace it.
  • Explain.
  • Add one.
5

Create — Create

5 min

Students conclude.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Name an input and output device.
  • Explain each.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Name them.
  • Explain.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
1B-CS-01

Describe how computing devices and their parts work together.

CSTA
1B-CS-02

Model how a computing system works, including input and output.

CSTA
1B-AP-09

Create programs that use events (input).

ISTE
1

Empowered Learner.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Device picture cards.
  • Sentence frame: “The ___ is ___.”
  • Sort real devices.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Start with keyboard vs. screen.
  • Sort one at a time.
  • Use pictures.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Find devices that do both.
  • Explain the flow.
  • Make an I/O poster.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Projector / board
  • 🖱️Device pictures
  • 💻Input or Output?
  • 📋An I/O chart
  • ✏️Pencils
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

inputinformation going into a computeroutputinformation coming out of a computerdevicea piece of computer equipmentkeyboardan input device for typingscreenan output device that shows thingsmicrophonean input device for soundprinteran output device for paperflowthe path information takes
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
What is input?
Information going INTO the computer, like typing on a keyboard.
QUESTION 2
What is output?
Information coming OUT, like pictures on the screen.
QUESTION 3
Is a printer an input or output device?
Output — it sends information out onto paper.

Create: sort your devices.

Have students look at devices around them and decide which are input and which are output. A printable input-output sheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Input & OutputFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Nice work!

Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Input & OutputQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
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Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Input & OutputPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: device, flow, input, keyboard, microphone, output, printer, screen
  1. an output device for paper
  2. information coming out of a computer
  3. an output device that shows things
  4. an input device for typing
  5. a piece of computer equipment
  6. an input device for sound
  7. information going into a computer
  8. the path information takes

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is input?
  2. What is output?
  3. Is a printer an input or output device?
Answer key — Part A: 1) printer · 2) output · 3) screen · 4) keyboard · 5) device · 6) microphone · 7) input · 8) flow
Part B: 1) Information going INTO the computer, like typing on a keyboard. 2) Information coming OUT, like pictures on the screen. 3) Output — it sends information out onto paper.