Computers and Problem Solving

Which of the following could be described as an input for a computer? (Select all that apply - there are 2.)

• Touchscreen

• Microphone

• Speaker

• Monitor

Answer explanation

Input gets information from users or devices to the computer. Touchscreens and microphones get information. Speakers and flashlights are not inputs because they are outputs that give information.

Which of the following could be described as processing and the output of processing?(Select all that apply - there are 4)

• After counting the number of clicks, the screen updates.

• If you guess wrong, then you get a message.

  
  

• If your guess matches the right number, then music plays.

  
  

• If your high score is greater than the last high score, then the score is updated on the screen.

Answer explanation

Output is the information that computers give to users. These are all examples of the information that is given to the user after processing, the thinking work of a computer.

What types of information could a computer store?(Select all that apply - there are 4)

• Apps

• Photos

• Music

• Location

Answer explanation

All of these can be stored in a computer.

Which problems cannot be solved with computing? (Select all that apply)

• Counting and measuring rise of the sea level

• Finding the city with the most air pollution

• Comparing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by each country

• Take actions to reverse climate change

• Passing laws to reduce fossil fuels

Answer explanation

Using just computers that work with information cannot solve the problem of climate change, nor can computers pass laws.

You are developing an app that will warn you when the air quality in your city is poor. Match the following with input, processing, and storage

• Storage

• • Compare today's air quality with recent days' air quality

• Input

• • Measure today's air quality

• Processing

• • Retain the air quality data for each day

Five students are planning a block party. Match what the need to do with a step of the Problem Solving Process

• Try

• • Host the block party

• Define

• • Decide what activities will be at the block party, what food, and who to invite

• • Prepare

• • Discuss what went well and what could be improved

• Reflect

• • Decide the purpose of the block party