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Technology: Computer Basics

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Title: Technology: Computer Basics
Description: These sites are about basic computer operations and parts. Learn about the Internet, mouse, keyboard, and basic computer software. Includes information about the history of computers and basic computer software. There are links to eThemes Resources on keyboarding skills, Internet Safety, and Excel.
Grade Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Resource Links: Click-N-Learn
This site explains about the different parts of a computer. The information is available for three levels of computer knowledge. Once you choose a level, click on the different parts to learn what they do. NOTE: Some numbers on this site are outdated.

Technology Buzzwords for Students
This page has a technology glossary with examples of how the words are used. Test your knowledge by playing one of the games.

Museum of Modern Technology
This fun site is a primer for information technology. Click on "Lobby" to learn about different programs.

How Floppy Disk Drives Work
This site from How Stuff Works tells all about the disk drive on a computer and how it works. NOTE: The site includes ads.

How Computer Mice Work
This site from How Stuff works tells about the mouse and how it works. NOTE: The site includes ads.

How Computer Monitors Work
This site from How Stuff Works explains computer monitors and how they work. NOTE: The site includes ads.

How PCs Work
This site from How Stuff Works explains what a personal computer is and tells all about its parts. NOTE: The site includes ads.

Computer History Museum
Learn about the history of computers. Includes a timeline. "Exhibits" has links to the online exhibits.

From Stone to Silicon
This ThinkQuest has a timeline (and quotes)about computers through the years. NOTE: Two links at the bottom lead to online messages posted by a variety of people. NOTE: The site has some outdated information.

Welcome to the Web
This online tutorial teaches about the Internet, guestbooks, Web browsers, and searching the Web. Simply choose a topic and read on. Includes printable worksheets to use with the lessons.

Activity: Getting to Know Your Computer
This lesson helps students become familiar with the parts of a computer. Includes a diagram of a computer.

PBS: A History of the Computer
See the development of computers from the abacus to the World Wide Web. (Scroll down the page and click on the "Who are These Nerds?" link to view photographs and learn about most important people in the computer development.)

PBS: Can You Guess the Computer?
Try guessing what type of computer it is by looking at the picture.

Little Tech Bag Tricks
Learn tips and tricks how to use the Acrobat, Excel, Word, Internet, and Power Point.

Lesson Plans and Activity Sheets
These lesson plans and class activities arranged by grades and designed to tech kids how safely surf the Internet, use chat rooms, handle e-mails, understand advertising, and do online research.

Introducing the Word Processor
This is a lesson plan for first-grade teachers. The plan suggests class activities and games to help kids to learn computer keyboard and word processor.

Lesson Exchange: A Story about Me
This lesson plan teaches kids how to use Paint Program, Word Processing Software, and printer.

eThemes Resource: Internet Safety
These sites have tips and advice on how children and young adults can use the Internet safely. Includes tips on surfing, chat rooms, and how not to give out personal information. There are online games and activities that teach lessons about Internet safety. There are also pledges and certificates that children can sign.

eThemes Resource: Keyboarding Skills: Elementary
These sites have online activities and games for students to practice their typing skills. Includes information about setting up comfortable workstations for elementary students.

eThemes Resource: Technology: Excel
These sites offer numerous ideas for doing classroom projects that include the use of Microsoft Excel. There are many examples of using timelines, graphs, and probability charts for a variety of fun activities. Many sites offer step-by-step instructions or allow you to download a pre-formatted spreadsheet and change it to fit your needs. Also includes Excel tutorials.

Education Standards: ME Standards:
D.3, D.6, D.7, D.7


MO Standards:
3, 8, FCA-3.1.10, I.2.f, I.6.c, I.2.b, I.6.a, 1.4, 1.5, 1.10, 2.3, 2.7


UT Standards:
1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2.a, 1.2.a


If you are an eMINTS teacher and standards have not been defined for your state, click the button below to request that they be assigned to this resource.
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Reviewed December 7, 2004.

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