Computing Wonders Grade 5 Book

1st Edition

Computing

Wo n d e rs!

5th Grade

10100

1st Edition

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project Team/Co-Author

ED-TECH Research and Development Department
Tarib Ahmed

Chief Operating Officer- TechTree

Muhammad Taha

Chief Technology Officer- TechTree

Uzair Iqbal

Manager Ed-Tech and Research- TechTree

Saad Bin Imtiaz

Head of Trainings & STEM Research- TechTree

The entire computing curriculum in the STEM wonders book series have been mapped
with the attainment levels of ICDL & Single National Curriculum Pakistan education

policy 2021.

All rights reserved by TechTree. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any part by any means at any time.

Content Computing Wonders

CO N T E N T S 01 CHARACTERISTICS AND
EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS 01

1.1 Early Calculating Devices
1.2 Evolution of Computer
1.3 Characteristics of Computers

02 MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION 16

2.1 Input Devices
2.2 Output Devices
2.3 Memory

03 STEM RESOURCES 30

3.1 Internet and the Web
3.2 Communication Tools

04 SCRATCH 43

4.1 Introduction to Programming
4.2 Introduction to Scratch
4.3 Basic Functions
44. Looks and Sound
4.5 Events
4.6 Motion
4.7 Cat and Mouse Chase Game

Content Computing Wonders

CO N T E N T S 05 STEM ACTIVITY 59

5.1 Objective
5.2 Introduction
5.3 Materials
54. Instructions
5.5 What Happened?
5.6 Observations
5.7 Precautions

06 EXCEL 64

6.1 What is a spreadsheet?
6.2 Features of MS Excel
6.3 Row, Column, and Cell
64. Insert Numbers and Text
6.5 Simple Calculations

STEM Wonders

0 1S e ct i o n

CHARACTERISTICS

AND EVOLUTION
OF COMPUTERS

Students will learn :

1. Early Calculating Devices
2. Evolution of Computer
3. Characteristics of Computers

01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

1 CHARACTERISTIC AND EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS

In this chapter, you will learn how people used to calculate before the invention
of computers. What were the earliest calculating devices and how did these
devices evolve with time to the present-day computing devices.

Let’s discuss some of the earliest calculating devices!

1.1 Early Calculating Devices
In this day and age, everyone is connected to and uses a computer in some form.
The computer suddenly did not come into an entity with magic. Its evolution
began more than 3000 years ago, and it progressively evolved into this form,
which is still ongoing today. The history of computers starts with basic 'adding
devices' connections. These devices lacked circuitry, memory, etc. In the past, a
person would often count with his fingers, stones, pebbles, bones, etc. Following
the development of the calculating devices that made counting rapid and simple.
Listed below are a few of the calculating devices:

1. Abacus (2700 B.C.)
2. Pascal’s Calculator (1642)
3. Leibniz Calculator (1694)
4. The Difference Engine (1822)
5. Analytical Engine (1837)
6. Tabulating Machine (1880)
7. Mark I (1944)

1.1.1 Abacus
Almost everyone who has
looked into the history of
computers agrees that they
were invented in China in
the sixteenth century by
scholars who created a
device called the Abacus
for calculation.

The ABACUS was the

original calculator, and

Chinese educators Fig 1.1

developed it about 5000

years ago. Abacus is divided into two parts; one is small and the other is big. It is

the first manually operated counting machine created for huge numbers. Simple

calculations like addition and subtraction are performed using this device. The

calculation can be done by moving the beads according to specified principles.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

Young kids can learn to count thanks to this. Heaven and Earth are the names of
the upper and lower halves of its frame, respectively.

The abacus' popularity is most likely due to how simple it is to use. People continue
to utilize this ancient instrument today.

1.1.2 Pascal’s Calculator

Blaise Pascal created

Pascal's Calculator, also

known as the Pascaline, to

assist his father, a tax

collector, with his labor-

intensive calculations. Pascal

built 50 prototypes before

making the machine public in

1652. He changed the

machines quite a bit. Only 9 Fig 1.2
machines have survived, and

most of them are on display at European museums. The machine can add and

subtract directly, as well as multiply and divide by repetition. This device is also

known as "Arithmatique." A box with eight (8) moveable wheels made up the

object. There were 10 teeth on each wheel, numbered 0 to 9. They were fed into

the number generator using dials on wheels. Similar to Blaise Pascal, German

philosopher Gatfred Ban Leggewijs created a device. It is still very useful for

students.

1.1.3 Leibniz Calculator

Leibniz calculator, Leibniz wheel,

or step drum is a cylindrical

device consisting of a set of

increment lengths devised by

Leibniz in 1671. Based on the

concept of the stepped drum,

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

created the stepped reckoner in

1694. Step reckoner was the first

machine to do all four arithmetic

operations. It was also the first

Fig 1.3 machine to employ a cursor,
therefore it includes a memory

for storing the first operand. Two Stepped Reckoners were created by Leibniz,

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

one in 1694 and the other in 1706. The second one was overlooked and found 250
years later in an attic at the University of Gottingen.

The device is roughly 67 cm (26 inches) long, constructed of polished brass and
steel, and set in an oak cabinet. A 16-digit accumulator section at the back and
an 8-digit input section at the front make up the device's two attached parallel
sections. The input part features eight dials with knobs to set the operand
number, a telephone-like dial to the right to select the multiplier digit, and a
crank on the front to do the calculation. The 16 windows on the rear accumulator
part display the outcome.

The input portion is mounted on rails and can be moved along the accumulator
section by turning a crank on the left end, which engages a worm gear, to adjust
the alignment of the operand and accumulator digits.

1.1.4 The Difference Engine
Initially created by Charles
Babbage in 1822, the difference
engine is a mechanical
calculator. It is capable of
calculating multiple sets of
numbers and printing out the
results. He was never able to
finish a fully functional version
of this gadget because of a lack
of money. To honor Babbage's
200th anniversary, the London
Science Museum finished the
difference engine No. 2 in June
1991, and the printing
mechanism was finished in
2000.

It would have been the first Fig 1.4
machine capable of calculating

and holding 7 numbers with 31 digits each and automatically used results from

previous operations as inputs. It was designed to tabulate polynomial functions.

Difference calculators are only calculators. They crunch numbers the only way
they know how: by repeatedly adding using the finite differences method. They
are ineffective for doing standard mathematical calculations.

Some of the most frequent mathematical functions used in engineering, research,
and navigation were and still are computable using the difference engine's

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

capabilities of computing logarithmic and trigonometric functions, which can be
approximated by polynomials, so a difference engine can compute many useful
tables of numbers.

1.1.5 Analytical Engine
Charles Babbage creates another
engine known as the Analytical
Engine. It was driven by six
enormous steam engines. Punched
cards are used as the input. This
engine had mathematical
capabilities. Charles Babbage's
first engine was commonly known as
"The First Computer." That is why
Charles Babbage is considered to
be the "Father of the Computer".

The computer features two

distinct input streams, three

output results, a processing unit, Fig 1.5
and memory. Additionally, it was

the first device with a set of programming instructions. Lady Ada Lovelace wrote

the algorithm to compute Bernoulli numbers, the first program to be ever created

hence earning her the title of the first computer programmer.

1.1.6 Tabulating Machine
Herman Hollerith was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1860, the son of German
immigrants. Herman's first job was with the United States Census effort of
1880. He then taught mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT). The young engineer started developing his tabulating system
while he was a student at MIT, and he applied for the first patent in 1884. The
invention of the Electric Tabulating System by Hollerith.

It was an electrical apparatus that utilized punch cards for data processing and
storage. It was a fundamental invention to calculate the population of the United
States.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

A tabulating machine would, in
its simplest form, read one
card at a moment, print
sections (fields) of the card
on fan-fold paper, sometimes
rearranging them, and add one
or more punched numbers to
one or more counters, known
as accumulators.

It cannot be considered a

computer as it could only

tabulate (count) and couldn’t

Fig 1.6 be programmed, although it

represents an early part of computer history. It contained 40 counters, allowing

it to count the number of cards with holes punched in up to 40 spots

simultaneously. A skilled operator could tabulate between 50 and 80 cards per

minute.

Herman Hollerith founded his own business, which ultimately evolved into
International Business Machines (IBM), as a result of his Tabulator's enormous
popularity and success.

1.1.7 Mark I

The Harvard Mark 1, also

known as the IBM

Automatic Sequence

Controlled Calculator

(ASCC), was an early

electromechanical

computer designed by

Howard Aiken and built by

IBM in 1944 at their

Endicott labs in New York.

The device wasn't the first

functioning computer, but it Fig 1.7
was the first to automate

the solution of complex calculations, which marked a significant advancement in

computing.

Mark I was enormous, measuring eight feet in height, fifty-one feet in length,
and three feet in depth. It had 730,000 different parts, 530 miles of wire, and

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

a weight of 5 tons. A long horizontal rotating shaft provided power and
synchronization for the operation of these components. The mechanical
components are powered by a four-horsepower engine. There were 3300 relay
parts and 2200 counter wheels. Despite the conflict and a lack of supplies, Aiken
was quite concerned with the machine's appearance.

Mark I had a word length of 24 and a word length of a parallel synchronous
calculator with 23 decimal digits and one sign. Calculations are done decimally with
a fixed decimal point. The operation unit of the machine consisted of 72 registers
called accumulators. Each accumulator held 24 electromagnetic rotary switches.

1.2 Evolution of Computer
Personal desktop computers, laptops, and tablets have become such an integral
part of daily life that it is impossible to recall a time when they did not exist. In
truth, computers, as we know and use them today, are still quite young. Although
computers have theoretically been in use since the abacus some 5000 years ago,
it is current computers that have had the greatest and most significant impact
on society. In 1944, the world's first full-sized digital computer was created.
known as the Mark I. Despite its size and limited capabilities, it was the first of
many that would open the way for future generations of computer development
and progress. Let’s Discuss the five generations of computers.

1.2.1 First Generation: Vacuum Tubes (1940 – 1956)
The technology behind the first
generation of computers was a
delicate glass gadget known as
vacuum tubes. These computers
were enormous in size and weight.
Vacuum tubes were used for
electronics, while magnetic drums
were used for main memory.

Machine language, the lowest-level

programming language known by

computers, was used by first-

generation computers. Therefore, Fig 1.8
their programming required a lot of ENIAC

effort. These computers had no operating system. First-generation computers

were used for calculations, storage, and control. They could only solve one problem

at a time.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

They required an entire room since they were so big and bulky, and they used a
lot of electricity.

Examples:

1. ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.
2. UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer.
3. EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer.

1.2.2 Second Generation: Transistors (1956 – 1963)
Transistors, as opposed to
large vacuum tubes, were the
technology used in second-
generation computers. The
core storage was an
additional feature. The
transistor was created in
1947 at Bell Labs, but it
wasn't used commonly in
computers until the late
1950s. A transistor is a
semiconductor-based device
that amplifies signals or
opens or closes circuits.

Since the transistor

outperformed the vacuum

tube, computers of the

second generation are now

smaller, faster, cheaper,

more energy-efficient, and

more reliable. The second

generation also saw the Fig 1.9 UNIVAC
1107
introduction of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming

languages, and input and output modules.

Symbolic or assembly languages were introduced to second-generation computers
in place of the difficult binary language, enabling programmers to define
instructions in words. Programming during this time was done in FORTRAN,
ALGOL, and COBOL.

Examples:

1. IBM1400 series,
2. UNIVAC 1107,

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders
3. PDP-8, etc.

1.2.3 Third Generation: Integrated Circuits (1964 – 1971)
The third generation of computers was defined
by the introduction of the integrated circuit,
also referred to as IC. Transistors were
downsized and placed on silicon chips, known as
semiconductors, significantly increasing
computer performance and efficiency.

On a single, thin piece of silicon, an integrated

circuit (IC) is made up of many transistors,

registers, and capacitors. Users would interact

Fig 1.10 IBM 360 with a third-generation computer through
keyboards, monitors, and interfaces with an

operating system instead of punched cards and printouts. This allowed the device

to execute several programs at once with central software that supervised the

memory.

Programming was done using High-Level languages.

Examples:

1. IBM 360,
2. PDP-11,
3. UNIVAC 1108, etc.

1.2.4 Fourth Generation: Microprocessors (1971 – Present)
The fourth generation of computers was introduced with the microprocessor,
which allowed thousands of integrated circuits to be packed onto a single silicon
chip. The first generation's technology, which once filled a whole room, can now
fit in the palm of your hand.

All the circuits needed to conduct arithmetic, logic, and control operations can be
found in a single microprocessor. The Intel 4004 chip, invented in 1971, combined
all of the computer's components, from the central processing unit and memory
to input/output controllers, on a single chip.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

IBM released its first personal

computer for home use in 1981,

while Apple released the

Macintosh in 1984. As more and

more commonplace products

started to employ the

microprocessor chip,

microprocessors also left the

domain of desktop computers

and entered more areas of life.

Multiprocessing,

multiprogramming, time-

sharing, operating speed, and

virtual memory made it a more Fig 1.11 Apple Macintosh
user-friendly and common Macintosh

device. Private computers and computer networks were invented during the

fourth generation.

Examples:

1. IBM PC,
2. Apple Macintosh,
3. STAR 1000, etc.

1.2.5 Fifth Generation: Artificial Intelligence (Present and Beyond)

Fifth-generation computer technology,

based on artificial intelligence, is still in

development, however, some applications,

such as voice recognition, are now in use. It

allows computers to behave like humans.

Superconductors and parallel processing are

two technologies that are making artificial

intelligence a reality. Additionally, this

generation is now the best at fitting a

Fig 1.12 Laptop significant amount of storage into a small,

portable device.

In the coming years, quantum computation, molecular science, and nanotechnology
will fundamentally change the way that computers function. Fifth-generation
computing aims to create machines that can learn and self-organize while also
responding to input in natural language.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

Example:

1. Desktops,
2. Laptops,
3. Tablets,
4. Smartphones, etc.

1.3 Characteristics of Computers
Computers are so powerful and widely helpful because of their unique properties.
These days, computers are a necessary component of everyday life and are
present in almost every industry. Most individuals are comfortable with
computers, and they use them to simplify their lives. Let’s discuss some
characteristics of computers that made them this popular.

1. Speed
When executing mathematical computations, a computer
works significantly faster and more accurately than a
human. Millions of instructions can be processed by
computers per second. Computer operations take only a
few nanoseconds or microseconds to complete.

2. Accuracy
Computers are not only incredibly fast, but they can also
reliably produce accurate results. Computers have a very
high degree of accuracy; they can do calculations with
nearly perfect accuracy. Computer systems may make
mistakes, but only when users enter incorrect information
or use faulty data.

3. Diligence
The computer doesn't get tired or lose focus as a
person does. Because of this quality, it
outperforms humans in most everyday tasks. It
can function flawlessly for hours. This implies that
even if millions of calculations need to be made, a
computer will complete each one and produce
results that are all equally accurate.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

4. Storage
Large amounts of data and information can be stored in a
computer and retrieved as needed. A limited quantity of data can
be temporarily kept in primary memory. Secondary storage
devices, such as hard discs and compact discs, can permanently
store a large quantity of data.

5. Versatility
The ability of a computer to carry out many tasks with the
same level of accuracy and effectiveness is referred to as
versatility.

6. Memory
A computer has internal storage for data called primary memory. Data
is also stored on removable media like CDs, pen drives, and other types
of secondary storage.

7. Reliability
The computer's results are quite reliable. However, this is only
true if the information provided to the computer or software is
credible and correct.

8. Multitasking
Another property of computers is multitasking. Computers are
capable of doing multiple jobs at once. For instance, you can
multitask while downloading movies, playing music, and creating
word documents.

9. Communication
Computers are capable of communicating, but a connection is
required. To transmit and receive data, two computers can be
connected.

10. Automation

The computer completes every task automatically, that is,
without human interaction.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

Choose the right one!

1. The first calculator developed by Chinese educators is _________.

a. Abacus. ☐

b. Pascal's Calculator. ☐

c. Stepped Reckoner. ☐

d. Analytical Engine. ☐

2. Which device is also known as Arithmatique?

a. Abacus. ☐

b. The Difference Engine. ☐

c. The Analytical Engine. ☐

d. Pascal's Calculator. ☐

3. Which of the following engines are developed by Charles Babbage?

a. The Difference Engine. ☐

b. The Analytical Engine. ☐

c. All of the above. ☐

d. None of the above. ☐

4. Which computer generation is currently in use?

a. First. ☐

b. Second. ☐

c. Third. ☐

d. Fourth. ☐

5. Which computer generation used transistors?

a. First. ☐

b. Second. ☐

c. Third. ☐

d. Fourth. ☐

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

Answer the following!

1. Explain what is an Abacus?

2. Who was the father of the computer? Which devices did he invent?

3. List down all the generations of computers? Also, write the technologies
used in the respective generation.

4. Explain the following: b. Integrated Circuit (IC).
a. Transistor.

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01-Characteristics and Evolution of Computers Computing Wonders

5. List down all the characteristics of the computers?

15

Contents

Sectio n

02

DATA
DEVICES

Students will learn :

1. Input Devices
2. Output Devices
3. Memory

02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

2 DATA DEVICES

Computers are essential for this technological era. They are helping people in
almost every field and making life easier. We cannot think of a world without
computers because they are working efficiently and with incredible speed. We
cannot communicate with a computer without an input device. Although the
computer can work on its own, we will neither be able to modify its settings nor
add new data to the computer.

2.1 Input Devices
Input devices are peripheral devices that are used to provide signals to the
computer system. A computer system cannot process data until it receives input
from the user. As a result, these devices are used to deliver raw data to the
system for processing.

2.1.1 Keyboard
The keyboard is the most
frequent and widely used input
device for entering data into a
computer. The keyboard layout is
similar to that of a typical
typewriter, although some extra
keys are given for performing
additional functions.

Keyboards come in two sizes: 84
keys or 101/102 keys, however
for Windows and the Internet,
keyboards with 104 keys or 108
keys are also available.

Fig 2.1

The keys on the keyboard are as follows:

S.no Keys and Description

Typing Keys
1 These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digit keys (09) which generally give the

same layout as that of typewriters.

17

02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

Numeric Keypad
2 It is used to enter the numeric data or cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set

of 17 keys that are laid out in the same configuration used by most adding machines and
calculators.

Function Keys
3 The twelve function keys are present on the keyboard which are arranged in a row at

the top of the keyboard. Each function key has a unique meaning and is used for some
specific purpose.

Control keys
4 These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four directional arrow keys.

Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Control (Ctrl),
Alternate (Alt), Escape (Esc).

Special Purpose Keys
5 Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num

Lock, Space bar, Tab, and Print Screen.

2.1.2 Mouse
A mouse is a hand-held hardware input device. It controls the pointer movement
on the computer screen and helps users to move and select folders, text, files,
and icons. When users move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves
in the same way. The term mouse comes from its size, since it is a compact,
corded, elliptical-shaped gadget that resembles a mouse.

There are two main types of the mouse;

a. Mechanical Mouse: A
mechanical mouse is a
computer hardware input
device with an underneath
metal or rubber ball. Moving
the mouse causes the ball to
roll, and sensors within the
mouse detect the movement
and send signals to the
screen's pointer.

Fig 2.2

18

02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

b. Optical Mouse: An optical mouse is a
type of mouse that uses a light source,
normally a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and a
Light Detector to detect movement. Optical
mouse variations have mostly replaced the
previous mechanical mouse design, which uses
moving parts to detect motion.

Fig 2.3

2.2 Output Devices
Output devices are devices that display the information processed by a computer
system in a human-readable form. Output devices can display information in text,
images, video, audio, and other formats.

2.2.1 Monitor
A monitor is a type of display device, similar to a television screen, that interprets
and displays the graphical output signal from your computer's graphics card on
the screen. It is used to show pictures, text, video, and graphical data created
by a connected computer via the video card of the computer. Although it looks
like a TV, its resolution is far greater. On March 1, 1973, the first computer
monitor was unveiled as part of the Xerox Alto computer system.

There are three main types of monitors;

a. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors:

It's a technique that was used in Fig 2.4
early monitors. It generates a
picture on the screen by using an
electron beam. It consists of the
cannons that fire an electron beam
within the screen. The electron
beams struck the screen's surface
repeatedly. These guns are
responsible for producing RGB (Red,
Green, Blue) colors, and other colors
can be produced by mixing these
three.

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

Fig 2.5 b.Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitors:
An LCD (liquid crystal display) screen
contains a liquid crystal material. The
particles of this material are positioned in
such a manner that light from the backside
of the screens can form an image or block.
In comparison to CRT displays, liquid crystal
displays provide a clearer image and
produce less radiation. It also uses less
electricity and takes up less space than a
CRT display.

c. Light Emitting Diode (LED) Monitors: It Fig 2.6
is a computer monitor with a flat-screen
and a light-emitting diode display. It is
light in terms of weight and has a shallow
depth. It makes use of an LED panel as
its light source. LED displays are now
used in a broad range of electronic
devices, both large and tiny, including
laptop screens, mobile phones, TVs,
computer monitors, tablets, and more.

2.2.2 Printer
Printers are the most popular and widely used output devices.
They deliver information in a format that is readable.
They produce printed output of results, programs and
data. Prints text or image on paper called hard copy. A
printer's printing speed is measured in pages per
minute (ppm). Dots per inch are commonly used to
measure printer resolution (dpi).

Fig 2.7

20

02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

There are two main types of printers;
a. Impact Printers: Impact printers use an electro-mechanical mechanism.
An impact printer is any printer whose printing heads make contact with
the paper. To print the text or image, hammers or pins are struck against
a ribbon and paper.
b. Non-Impact Printers: These printers
generate output using ink and special
electrical machines. Non-impact printers are
those whose printing heads do not make
contact with the paper. A non-impact printer
creates characters and images on paper
without actually striking it.

Fig 2.8

2.3 Memory
Memory is an essential part of the computer system because a computer cannot
process any task without it. Memory is used to store data and instructions for
performing specific tasks on the computer system. The computer memory is
typically a storage space that is capable of storing and fetching data.
Memory is a set of several memory cells known as the building blocks of memory.
Each memory cell has a unique index number or identification number known as
the unique address of that specific memory cell. The CPU is responsible for
selecting memory cells to read or write data.
The performance of the computer system depends on the memory and CPU. CPU
cannot store programs or a large set of data permanently. They are only capable
of storing basic instructions required to operate the computer. Therefore, it is
mandatory to have the memory to run a computer system properly.

What are the units of memory?

The storage capacity of the memory is expressed in various units of memory.
These are as follows:

a. Kilobyte
It is the most common unit of memory which is the smallest of all. But it is greater
than the byte.
The abbreviation for kilobytes is ‘KB’.
It contains 1000 bytes. Besides, it is synonyms to kibibytes which contain 1024
(2^10) bytes.
Megabytes usually measures the size of text documents, graphics of websites,
individual files, etc.

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

b. Megabyte

The abbreviation for megabyte is ‘MB’.
It contains 1000,000 bytes. Besides, it is synonyms to mebibytes which
contains 1048576 (2^20) bytes.
Kilobytes usually measure the size of large files. For example, high-resolution
images, songs, storage of compact disks, etc.

c. Gigabyte

The abbreviation for the gigabyte is ‘GB’ or gigs.
It contains 1000,000,000 bytes. Besides, it is synonyms to gibibytes which
contain 1073741824 (2^30) bytes.
Kilobytes usually measure the capacity of storage devices.

d. Terabyte

The abbreviation for terabytes is ‘TB’.
It contains one trillion bytes. Besides, it is synonyms to tebibytes which contains
2^40 bytes.
Kilobytes usually measure the capacity of large storage devices, for example,
HDDs (Hard Disk Drives).

How are the different types of memory?

Although many types of memory in a computer exist, the most basic distinction is
between primary memory, often called system memory, and secondary memory,
which is more commonly called storage.

The key difference between primary and secondary memory is speed of access.

2.3.1 Primary Memory

Main memory, which consists of ROM and RAM, is positioned near the CPU on the

computer motherboard, allowing the CPU to access data from primary memory

relatively rapidly. It is used to store data that the CPU requires immediately in

order to avoid having to wait for it to be delivered.

a. Random Access

Memory: RAM is

the CPU's internal

memory that stores

data, programs, and

program results. It

is read-only Fig 2.9
memory. It is known

as Random Access Memory (RAM).

22

02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

Since access time in RAM is independent of the address to the word that
is, each storage location inside the memory is as easy to reach as other
location and takes the same amount of time. We can reach into the memory
at random and extremely fast but can also be quite expensive.
RAM is volatile, that is data stored in it is lost when we switch off or turn
off the computer or if there is a power Failure. Hence, a backup un-
interruptible power system (UPS) is often used with computers.
RAM is a small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data
that can hold.

There are two types of RAMs;
● SRAM: SRAM stands for Static RAM, and it is a particular type of

RAM which is faster than DRAM, but more expensive and bulker,

having six transistors in each cell. For those reasons SRAM is

generally only used as a data cache within a CPU itself or as RAM in

very high-end server systems. A small SRAM cache of the most

imminently-needed data can result in significant speed

improvements in a system

● DRAM: DRAM stands for Dynamic RAM, and it is the most common

type of RAM used in computers. The oldest type is known as single

data rate (SDR) DRAM, but newer computers use faster dual data

rate (DDR) DRAM. DDR comes in several versions including DDR2,

DDR3, and DDR4, which offer better performance and are more

energy efficient than DDR. However different versions are

incompatible, so it is not possible to mix DDR2 with DDR3 DRAM in

a computer system. DRAM consists of a transistor and a capacitor

in each cell.

The key differences between DRAM and SRAM is that SRAM is faster than
DRAM – perhaps two to three times faster – but more expensive and bulkier.
SRAM is usually available in megabytes, while DRAM is purchased in gigabytes.
DRAM uses more energy than SRAM because it
constantly needs to be refreshed to maintain data
integrity, while SRAM – though volatile – does not need
constant refreshing when it is powered up.

b. Read Only Memory: ROM stands for read-only

memory, and the term comes from the fact

that data may be read from but not written to

this form of computer memory. It is an Fig 2.10
extremely fast form of computer memory that

is often mounted on the motherboard near the CPU.

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

There are three types of ROM;
● PROM: PROM stands for Programmable Read-Only Memory, and it
is different from true ROM in that while a ROM is programmed
(i.e., has data written to it) during the manufacturing process, a
PROM is manufactured in an empty state and then programmed
later using a PROM programmer or burner.
● EPROM: EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory, and as the name suggests, data stored in an EPROM can
be erased and the EPROM reprogrammed. Erasing an EPROM
involves removing it from the computer and exposing it to
ultraviolet light before re-burning it.
● EEPROM: EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory, and the distinction between EPROM and
EEPROM is that the latter can be erased and written to by the
computer system it is installed in. In that sense EEPROM is not
strictly read-only. However, in many cases the write process is
slow, so it is normally only done to update program code such as
firmware or BIOS code on an occasional basis

2.3.2 Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is much larger than primary memory, but it is lot slower. It is
often used to hold system programs, instructions, and data files. It is sometimes
referred to as auxiliary memory. It can also be utilized as an overflow/virtual
memory in the event that the primary memory capacity is reached.

A CPU cannot directly access secondary memory. The data/information from
auxiliary memory is transferred to main memory first, and then the CPU may
access that information.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

Here are the characteristics of auxiliary memory:

● Nonvolatile memory - Data is not lost when power is cut off.
● Reusable - The data stage in the secondary storage on permanent basis

until it is not overwritten or deleted by the user.
● Reliable - Data in secondary storage is safe because of high physical

stability of secondary storage device.
● Convenience - With the help of a computer software, authorized people

can locate and access the data quickly.

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

● Capacity - Secondary storage can store large volumes of data in sets of
multiple disks.

● Cost - It is much lesser expensive to store data on a tape or disk than
primary memory.

We can also say that secondary memory is the other type of memory which is
required to store the data permanently for a long time.

Types of Secondary Memory

There are various types of secondary storage device available to store data for
the future use. These devices allow to read or write anywhere in memory.

Commonly used secondary storage devices are:

1. Magnetic Storage Devices: Magnetic storage devices are coated with

magnetic material. The data is encoded on the magnetic material in the

form of electric current.

Magnetic devices use magnetic

fields to magnetize tiny individual

sections of a metal spinning disk.

Each tiny magnetized section

represents a binary ONE (1) and

each demagnetized section Fig 2.11
represents a binary ZERO (O).

These tiny sections can contain terabytes (TB) of data. These devices are

cheap, fast in performance, high in capacity, and durable. Hard disk drive,

magnetic tape, and floppy disks are widely used magnetic storage devices.

2. Solid State Storage Devices: Solid-

state storage devices are made up of silicon

microchips. These are non-volatile storage

devices, which use integrated circuit

assemblies as memory to continuously store

any information. It can hold the data even

after the computer is switched off. These

Fig 2.12 are used as external secondary storage.

The main advantage of solid-state devices is that it has no moving parts.
Due to this, they are portable, produce less heat and last longer. Solid-
state storage devices are comparatively faster than the traditional hard
disk drives, as the data is stored electrically in silicon chips known as cells.
The binary data is kept within the cells by holding an electrical current in

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

a transistor with an On/Off mode. RAM uses the same technique; however,
it does not retain the data after the power is disconnected. Unlike RAM,
solid-state devices have the ability to store the data even after the power
is disconnected. This is possible through the use of a technology known as
flash memory.

Solid-state drives (SSD) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory sticks or
USB flash drive are examples of solid storage devices. Most modern
devices are using solid-state storage devices to deliver better and
consistent performance.

3. Optical Storage Devices: The data stored Fig 2.13
in optical storage devices can be read/write
with the help of the laser beam. These
devices contain spinning disc made from
metal and plastic. The surface of a spinning
disc is scanned by a laser beam. The surface
is divided into tracks, and each track
contains several flat areas and hollows. The
flat areas are called 'lands' whereas the
hollows are called 'pits".

Optical storage devices can store a large amount of data. Optical storage
devices include CD-ROM (Compact Disc, read-only-memory), DVD-ROM
(Digital versatile disc, read-only-memory), WORM (Write once, read-only-
memory), etc.

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

Choose the right one!

1. ROM stands for? ☐
a. Read only memory. ☐
b. Random only memory. ☐
c. Random access memory. ☐
d. Random anything memory.

2. RAM is basically ______________. ☐
a. Volatile memory. ☐
b. Non-volatile memory. ☐
c. Backup memory. ☐
d. Impact memory.

3. USB stands for? ☐
a. Unknown Storage Bus. ☐
b. Universal Storage Bus. ☐
c. Universal Serial Bus. ☐
d. None of the above.

4. A Compact Disk is ______________.

a. Optical disk. ☐

b. Output device. ☐

c. Solid-state storage device. ☐

d. Hard disk. ☐

5. When power is switched OFF, it will lose the data, such type of memory is

called?

a. RAM. ☐

b. ROM. ☐

c. Hard Drive. ☐

d. None of the above. ☐

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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

Answer the following!

1. What is Memory?

2. What are the types of ROM?
3. What is Volatile and Non-Volatile Memory?
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02-Data Devices Computing Wonders

4. Write the difference between Primary and Secondary Memory?

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

5. What is a printer? Write down the names of its types?

29

0 3S e ct i o n

COMMUNICATING
ONLINE

Students will learn :

1. Internet and the Web
2. Communication Tools

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

3 COMMUNICATING ONLINE

3.1 Internet and the Web
In your daily life, the internet is everywhere. Your homes, schools, etc. all are
connected to the internet. You can also chat with friends who own computers
using your computer. How do all these computers communicate with each other?
Obviously, via the Internet! You can exchange files, send emails, chat, and so on
in this manner. You can use cables or wireless technology to connect the two
computers.

Computer networks are created when two or more computers connect. There are
two types, depending on the location of each connected computer.

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a small network. It is usually a little larger than a
classroom, a floor, or a building. Perhaps your school has a LAN.

A Wide Area Network (WAN), is a large network. Usually, it covers two cities or
more. A WAN is used by large multinational companies to connect their offices
all over the globe.

3.1.1 Search Engines How to use a search engine:
It's difficult to find information on the
Internet. But don't worry. Search engines > Open a web browser (e.g.: Google
are a great way to find exactly what you're Chrome).
looking for. > In the Address box, type
google.com. (1) The Google search
Search engines are websites where you can engine will appear.
type in keywords or phrases, and then find > In the search text box, type the
other websites with details related to the subject you want to find. (2) For
words or phrases you type in. There are a example, wild animals and press
variety of search engines in use today Enter.
however, the most used is Google. > A list will appear with websites
containing the word “wild
animals”. (3)
> Click the website or the photo
you think is more relevant and
this will appear on your screen.
(4)

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

3.2 Communication Tools
You know what the internet is and how to use it to search for information. But do
you know that it is also a very powerful communication tool? You can use various
programs to communicate with your friends via text, sound, or even video.

3.2.1 Email
You're familiar with this kind of technology, and you can make use of email to
communicate with your friends wherever they may be. It is also possible to send
videos, photos, or any other files you wish to send. To send them this information
it is possible to use an email service that is web-based that includes Gmail, Yahoo,
or Hotmail. (Fig 3.1)

It makes no difference if the recipient lives down the street or overseas. The
message will reach your friends in a couple of seconds.

Fig 3.1

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

3.2.2 Sending an Email How to send an Email:

When you want to send and receive > Click Compose (1) and type your
messages on the internet, you use an email email. (2)
program. An email message travels very > Type your friend’s email address in
fast around the world the To box. (3)
and it’s completely free. > Type a title for the message in the
Subject box. (4)
> Click Send. (5)

3.2.3 Forward an Email
You've learned how to create and send an email. Now, you need to know how to
send an email that you received to more than one person simultaneously.

How to forward an Email:

> Click Forward (1)
> Choose the contacts you want to
send it to by typing their email
addresses. (2)
> You can make some changes to the
message if you want. (3)
> Click Send (4) and your friend will
receive it!

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

There is another method by which to send How to use Cc:
the exact email messages to multiple
recipients. This is possible with the Cc > Click Cc & Bcc to add another
(Carbon copies). It can help you save lots of email address. (1)
time, by not typing the exact email message > Choose the contacts you want to
two or three times. send it to by typing their email
addresses. (2)
> Type your message and click Send
(3)

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

How to attach a File: 3.2.4 Send a File
It's easy to write a text message and then send
> Click Compose. (1) it to an email. But what about pictures? It is
> Click on the Attach files. (2) possible to send an email using music, pictures,
> A window will appear. video, or even a file that you've got stored on
> Find the file you want to your PC. The file you attach to an email is known
attach and select it. (3) as an attachment.
> Click Open. (4)
> The file you've selected will
appear under the subject. (5)

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

You can remove
the attached file
by clicking this.

You can open the attached
file by clicking on the file.

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

You are familiar with how to send and receive messages. You also know how to
attach and send files. However, before sending an email there are a few things
to be aware of, such as email "rules". These rules aren't strict however if you
follow these rules, you can improve your email messages.

3.2.5 Spell Check How to correct a mistake:
The first step is to check your email's spelling
errors. It is best to avoid mistakes in your email > On the More options tab,
message even if you're sending an email to your click Check spelling (1)
friend. > The word will be highlighted.
(2) Click on the word and a
Yes! Everyone makes mistakes. That's why it is suggestion will appear. (3)
possible to make use of spell check to correct > Select the correct word. (4)
mistakes. > If you don’t want to make any
changes, click Ignore. (5)

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

3.2.6 Be Polite Always be polite, especially if you are sending
an email to your teacher or an adult. Always
You can follow this structure: keep in mind that using only CAPITAL
characters in an email means that you are
> The greeting: Hello Ali, … (1) shouting and it is impolite.
> The main subject. (2)
> Signing off: Your friend, (3)

3.2.7 Be Secure Online
Username and password are terms
you frequently hear when using an
internet account. Why do we need
them and why are they so
important?

You have a code for your locker at
school. It's a technique to keep
your belongings safe. For your
online belongings, you require the
same security. You require a
personal account, for instance, to
communicate with others. The only
way your friends can identify you is
through this. Your real name or

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

nickname might serve as your username. You must have a private password that
only you (and possibly your parents) know to protect this account.

Let's see how you can create a strong password:

> It must be sufficiently long. A four-character
password is fairly easy to crack. Passwords should be
at least 8 to 10 characters long.
>Avoid common words. If you use words like cricket,
friend, football… Well, you get the idea.
> Use different words/phrases for your login and
password! Also, avoid using personal information such
as your birthday, favorite team, phone number, and so
on.
> Use symbols, numbers, and special characters as
needed. Someone will have a considerably more
difficult time guessing your password if it is
helloworld161*# rather than just helloworld.
> Think of a word or phrase and substitute vowels with
symbols and digits to build secure passwords that are
easy to remember. t3chtr33@c@d3my, for example,
instead of techtreeacademy. Hmm! You can remember
it even though it's difficult to guess.
> If you use an important account, change your
password every 6 to 12 months.

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

Choose the right one!

1. LAN stands for? ☐
a. Low Access Network. ☐
b. Low Area Network. ☐
c. Local Access Network. ☐
d. Local Area Network.

2. Google is a form ___________. ☐
a. Search Engine. ☐
b. Search Platform. ☐
c. Data Engine. ☐
d. Data Platform.

3. You can send an Email using which of the following?

a. Gmail. ☐

b. Yahoo. ☐

c. Hotmail. ☐

d. All of the above. ☐

4. To write an email you have to click __________.

a. Compose. ☐

b. Open. ☐

c. Send. ☐

d. None of the above. ☐

5. A secure password should be: ☐
a. Long. ☐
b. Short. ☐
c. Simple. ☐
d. None of the above.

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

Answer the following!

1. Define search engine? Give two examples.

2. Write the steps for sending an email?

3. Write the steps for sending a file through an email?

4. Define Cc and Bcc?

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03-Communicating Online Computing Wonders

5. Write all the qualities of a good strong password?

42

Contents STEM Wonders

0 4S e ct i o n

SCRATCH

Students will learn :

1. Introduction to Programming
2. Introduction to Scratch
3. Basic Functions
4. Looks and Sound
5. Events
6. Motion
7. Cat and Mouse Chase Game

04-Scratch Computing Wonders

4 SCRATCH

4.1 Introduction to Programming
Let’s discuss what is programming!

Computer programming is simply a set of instructions
or commands for a computer. The computer will read
these commands and carry out the tasks. For example,
you want to open a software application installed on
your computer. You will click the software’s icon; the
computer will read this as an instruction to open the
software and successfully open the software.
Everything a computer does is in form of instructions.

What do you think, do computers understand English just like us?

No, computers only understand zeros and ones, and you cannot give instruction to
computers in zeros and ones, it will be very difficult. To solve this issue
developers created programming languages. These programming languages will
take instructions in the human-understandable form and then change them to
binary (zeroes and ones) so that the computer can read and execute these
commands.

There are a lot of programming languages for you to use. All of them are used for
different purposes. If you divide them into the most basic types, you will have
two types of programming languages.

1. Syntax or textual-based
programming languages.

2. Visual or block-based
programming languages.

You will learn block programming
in this chapter.

4.1.1 Algorithm Fig 4.1
An algorithm is a set of guidelines
that explain how to perform a
task. For example, your daily
routine is like an algorithm; you
wake up daily, brush your teeth,
eat breakfast, dress up, go to
school, and so on. Every task in
your routine is an instruction and

44

04-Scratch Computing Wonders

the sequence or guideline on how to perform these tasks in order is an algorithm.
Another example of an algorithm is a recipe for a dish. See Fig 4.1 for a visual
understanding of the algorithm.

The algorithm helps a lot in programming. Write down the programming steps in
simple English. This will help you while you start programming.

4.2 Introduction to Scratch Fig 4.2
Scratch is a visual-based programming
language developed by MIT Media Lab.
With scratch, you can learn and create
interactive games, animated stories,
science projects, and interactive art.
You can also share your creations on the internet.

Scratch is a free programming environment that runs in your web browser, and it
is also available to be installed on your computers.

1. Search scratch.mit.edu in your browser address bar. (Fig 4.2)
2. You will see the screen shown in Fig 4.3.

3. Click create. (Fig 4.4) Fig 4.3
4. You will see the screen Fig 4.4

shown in Fig 4.5. 45