Input and output
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how input and output devices allow users to interact with a computer system.
Key learning points
- The user can use the keyboard as an input.
- Computers produce output through various methods.
Keywords
Input - data that is sent to a program to be processed
Output - information produced by a computer system as a result of processing data
Common misconception
Input and output of a program happen automatically, without the need for coding. The computer uses it in the correct part of your program.
Computers process instructions in code that requires input and output. The programmer needs to specify exactly where and how it should be handled.
Teacher tip
Stress that input gets data into the computer, and output gets information out. This is not always through a keyboard and monitor. Explore how other devices perform the same actions.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can edit and run Python programs. Examples in this lesson use the RPF Code Editor https://oak.link/python-editor
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to their definitions.
a tool for writing and running programs
using colours to distinguish code elements
converts code into a machine-readable format
finds and fixes errors in the code
Q2.What is a key advantage of using an IDE?
Q3.Which of these is an example of an output device?
Q4.What is an input device?
Q5.What is the purpose of a debugger in an IDE?
Q6.Which of these is not a tool included in an IDE?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the devices to their roles.
sends text and number data to a program
produces physical output
captures audio input
plays audio output
Q2.Put these steps in order for handling input and output in a program.
Q3.What is output in a computer system?
Q4.What Python function is used to get data from the user?
Q5.What is the role of a program in managing input and output?
Q6.What will print("Hello, World!") display?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Input and output, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Input and output, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Programming: sequence unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.