Computing · Stage 4

Input → Process → Output

Coding & Systems · systems — how a computer takes information IN, works on it, then gives it back OUT

✦ Computing📘 Stage 4 · S4⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 8–9★ Free to start

explain input, process and output

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Kavi's Talking Calculator

Kavi tapped 7 + 5 into a little calculator. "How does it KNOW?" Kavi wondered. The calculator's owl-friend explained: "First you give me the numbers — that's the input, the part that goes IN. Then I think and add them up inside — that's the process, the work in the middle. Then I show you 12 on my screen — that's the output, the part that comes OUT." Kavi grinned. "Input, process, output! You take it in, work on it, then give it back." Every computer and device follows the same three steps.

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What your child will learn

1Input, process, outputEvery computer works in three steps. First information goes IN, then the computer works on it, then a result comes OUT. Tap each part to hear its job.

2In → work on it → outThe three parts always happen in the same order. Information goes in, the computer works on it, then the answer comes out. Tap each step to hear it!

3Does it go IN, or come OUT?Some parts of a device take information IN (input), and some give a result back OUT (output). The keyboard, mouse, and microphone put things in. The screen, speaker, and printer give things out. Tap each card to compare.

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A peek inside

You type a message and the screen shows it. Which part is the typing, and which part is the screen?

typing puts information in; the screen gives a result back

Try this at home: The information that goes IN to a computer is called the ____.

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Computing · Stage 4 · S4 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.