Chapter 2.5 - Mobile Devices, App Hardware, and Software
Time Estimate: 45 minutes
2.5.1. Introduction and Goals
This lesson focuses on the basic hardware and software that work together to enable our mobile devices to run the amazing apps that we'll be building. As beginning programmers, it's important that we understand how the programs we write are interpreted and processed by the computer.
Learning Objectives: I will learn to
explain how data can be supported using bits
explain how computing devices work together in a network
Language Objectives: I will be able to
describe the relationship between data and bits using target vocabulary, supporting details and examples
describe the functionality of hardware and software components using target vocabulary, supporting details and examples
use target vocabulary, such as bits, bytes, binary code, computing device, while describing how data is represented and how hardware and software works together, out loud and in writing, with the support of vocabulary notes from this lesson
2.5.2. Learning Activities
What is a Computer?
A computing device is an electronic device for storing and processing data by following instructions given to it in a program. Mobile devices – smart phones and tablets – are general purpose computers. Like desktop and laptop computers, these general purpose computers can run different programs or apps. This contrasts with special purpose computers which can run only a single set program. Examples of special purpose computers include a simple non-programmable calculator, a microwave oven, a smart thermostat, and a car's anti-lock braking system.
Binary Code
As you will learn in this lesson, computers understand binary code or machine language. Binary code consists of 0s and 1s. One binary digit is called a bit. A group of eight bits is referred to as a byte. One byte of memory takes about the same amount of memory as a character, such as the letter 't'. You will learn more about binary in future lessons, including how to convert binary numbers into decimal numbers and how to convert binary numbers into colors or characters.
Mobile Apps and Devices
Activity
Working in pairs, complete the following interactive worksheet to match some of the vocabulary to a picture of a computer system or this computer terms matching worksheet.
2.5.3. Summary
In this lesson, you learned how to:
Learning Objective DAT-1.A: Explain how data can be represented using bits.
Bit is shorthand for binary digit and is either 0 or 1.
A byte is 8 bits.
Learning Objective CSN-1.A: Explain how computing devices work together in a network.
A computing device is a physical artifact that can run a program. Some examples include computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors.
2.5.4. Still Curious?
Here's a cool video made by two Googlers that takes apart a Nexus 5 phone and explains what all the parts are.
Here are some additional resources you might want to look at to learn more about how computer's work:
What is a computer?
Understanding operating systems
What is the cloud?
and other topics...
2.5.5. Self-Check
Vocabulary
Here is a table of the technical terms we've introduced in this lesson. Hover over the terms to review the definitions.
byte
chip
compilation
computer
CPU
general purpose computer
hardware
high level language
interpretation
machine language
motherboard
program
RAM
software
special purpose computer
Check Your Understanding
Complete the following self-check exercises.
Q-1: Which of the following is not an example of hardware?
A. Integrated circuit
B. Motherboard
C. Memory chip
D. WIndows Operating System
Activity: 2.5.5.1 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-1)
Q-2: Which of the following is not an example of software?
A. Firefox
B. Microsoft Excel
C. Angry Birds
D. A Printer
Choose one
Activity: 2.5.5.2 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-2)
Q-3: Which of the following are examples hardware?
A. Integrated circuit
B. Main memory
C. Flash drive
D. CPU
An IC (Integrated circuit), also called a chip, contains millions of pre-printed circuits, diodes, and other electronic devices.
Also called RAM (Random Access Memory), stores instructions and data for a program while the program is running.
A Flash drive is an example of a long-term storage device, one capable of storing Gigabytes worth of information.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) interprets and carries out the computer's machine language instructions.
Activity: 2.5.5.3 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-3)
Q-4: Which of the following best describes the primary function of the CPU?
A. To store the data used by the computer's software.
B. To convert electrical power from alternating to direct current.
C. To carry out, or process, the instructions in a computer program.
D. To serve as the interface between the user and the computer.
Activity: 2.5.5.4 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-4)
Q-5: The main difference between low-level and high-level programming languages is ______.
A. low-level languages cannot be understood by computers.
B. high-level languages provide abstractions that closely match the machine's architecture.
C. low-level languages are easier for humans to understand
D. high-level languages must be translated by software programs into low-level machine languages before then can be run on a computer
Activity: 2.5.5.5 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-5)
Q-6: Which of the following are true statements about a computer’s main memory?
A. Any data stored in main memory disappears when the computer loses power.
B. It is the same as long-term memory.
C. It stores data.
D. It is called RAM, short for random access memory.
Activity: 2.5.5.6 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-6)
Q-7: True or False: When printing a document the printer driver sends the document to the CPU which in turn sends the document to the printer to be printed. This is an example of the computer’s hardware sending information to the computer’s software.
A. False
B. True
Activity: 2.5.5.7 Multiple Choice (mcsp-2-5-7)
2.5.6. Reflection: For Your Portfolio
Which hardware and software component(s) do you feel least confident describing?
Give an example of a special purpose computer that you are familiar with or use in your everyday life and what problem it addresses for you.
Explain in your own words the difference between running your app by "Connecting to the Companion" and running your app by "Packaging" it.
As we learned in this lesson, a byte is about the same amount of memory as a character, such as the letter 't'. There are approximately 7 million characters in all of the Harry Potter novels combined.
How many bytes of memory would all of the Harry Potter novels take up?
How many copies of the Harry Potter novels would fit on a 7 Gigabyte flash drive? (Remember 1 gigabyte is 1 billion bytes.)
Portfolio Reflection Questions
Make a copy of this document in your Portfolio Assignments folder and answer these questions in the spaces below. Once complete, turn in this assignment according to the steps given by your teacher.
2.5 Mobile Devices and Apps: Hardware and Software Curriculum Page
Answer the following questions:
1. Which hardware and software component(s) do you feel least confident describing?
Answer
2. Give an example of a special purpose computer that you are familiar with or use in your everyday life and what problem it addresses for you.
Answer
3. Explain in your own words the difference between running your app by "Connecting to the Companion" and running your app by "Packaging" it.
Answer
4. As we learned in this lesson, a byte is about the same amount of memory as a character, such as the letter 't'. There are approximately 7 million characters in all of the Harry Potter novels combined.
How many bytes of memory would all of the Harry Potter novels take up?
How many copies of the Harry Potter novels would fit on a 7 Gigabyte flash drive. (Remember 1 gigabyte is 1 billion bytes.)
Answer
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