Input Devices – Basic 3 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

What are Input Devices?

Input devices are computer parts that help us put information INTO the computer.

Common Input Devices

Mouse:

• Points and clicks on things on screen
• Has left and right buttons
• Scroll wheel in the middle
• Moves cursor (arrow) on screen

Keyboard:

• Used for typing letters and numbers
• Has QWERTY layout (first 6 letters on top row)
• Space bar for spaces between words
• Enter key to go to next line

Scanner:

• Copies pictures and documents into computer
• Put paper on glass, press button
• Makes digital copies of photos and papers
• Saves scanned items as computer files

Flash Drive (USB):

• Small storage device you can carry
• Plugs into USB port on computer
• Stores files like photos, documents, music
• Can transfer files between computers

Hard Drive:

• Main storage inside computer
• Stores operating system and all programs
• Much bigger storage than flash drive
• Permanent storage – keeps files when computer is off

Exercise 2: Match the devices:

• For typing words: _______
• For pointing on screen: _______
• For copying pictures: _______
• For storing many files: _______

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Soil Investigation

If possible, bring different soil samples:

1. Look at soil with a magnifying glass
2. Feel different types – sandy, clay, loamy
3. Find small living things in soil

Exercise 3: Soil Detective!

1. What color is the soil outside our classroom? _______
2. Can you see small stones in soil? _______
3. Why do plants need soil? _______

Input Device Hunt

Look around the classroom/computer lab: Exercise 4: Find and count:

• Keyboards: _______
• Mice: _______
• Computers with hard drives: _______
• USB ports: _______

Practical Exercise

If computers are available:

1. Practice moving mouse cursor around screen
2. Type your name on keyboard
3. Find the USB ports on computer