Microelectronics: Hardware vs. Software
In this 60-minute lesson, students will be introduced to the foundational concepts of hardware, software, and coding in preparation for an upcoming robotics unit. The lesson begins with an overview of the upcoming robotics project, helping students understand how robots function through the integration of computers, coding, and hardware components. Through interactive discussions, students will define key terms related to hardware and software and explore how these components work together to enable technology to function. Students will learn to identify four key factors that make a computer a computer, five essential hardware components, and five types of software that make a computer operate. Additionally, they will be introduced to three programming languages used in coding. Short videos featuring industry experts will provide real-world examples and explanations, helping students connect the concepts to actual careers in technology.
Core Content: computer science
Grade Levels: 6-8
Time Required: one 60-minute class period
ME Career Connection: During the videos, “experts” from various areas talk about what they do for a living and how the topic being discussed plays into their career and daily activities. Students will get exposure to a variety of jobs and get to see some of the fun things these professionals get to work with daily.
Author: Justin Ressler
