Windows and Using the Internet

By the end of class students will be able to:

  • Log into their school account
  • Demonstrate how to open and close windows
  • Review web browser vocabulary
Do First

Watch the video to learn about operating systems. Then complete the activities below. 

Optional story about Operating Systems:

Once upon a time, in the vast world of technology, there existed a powerful entity known as an operating system. This magical system served as the backbone of every electronic device, from computers to smartphones, guiding them with its intricate commands and algorithms. Like a conductor leading an orchestra, the operating system orchestrated the various components of a device, ensuring they worked harmoniously together.

To mere mortals, the operating system appeared as a user-friendly interface, allowing them to interact with their devices effortlessly. With just a few clicks or taps, users could access their favorite apps, browse the internet, or create documents with ease. The operating system acted as a bridge between the hardware and software, translating the user’s commands into actions that the device could understand and execute.

In essence, the operating system was the unsung hero of the digital age, silently working behind the scenes to make our lives easier and more efficient. So the next time you power on your device, take a moment to appreciate the intricate dance of the operating system, for without it, our modern world would be a chaotic mess of ones and zeros.

Computer Explorer: 2nd Grade Learning Adventure

Computer Explorer

A Fun Learning Adventure for 2nd Graders

Hi there, Computer Explorer! 👋

Today we’re going to learn about:

  • The Windows operating system
  • How to find and open files
  • How to use a web browser

Are you ready for this adventure? Let’s go!

What is Windows?

Windows is an operating system. That’s a special program that helps your computer work!

Think of Windows like the brain of your computer. It helps all the parts work together.

Windows has a special screen called a desktop where you can find all your programs and files.

The Windows logo

Important Parts of Windows

Desktop

The main screen where you can see icons and open programs.

Start Button

A button that shows all your programs and helps you find things.

Taskbar

The bar at the bottom of the screen that shows open programs.

Icons

Small pictures that you click to open programs or files.

Quick Check! 🧠

Match the Windows parts to their descriptions:

Desktop
Start Button
Taskbar

This helps you find and open programs. It’s usually in the bottom left corner.

This is the main screen you see when your computer starts.

This bar shows which programs are open on your computer.

Finding and Opening Files

Windows has a special program called File Explorer that helps you find your files and folders.

Files are where your work is saved. They can be pictures, stories, or games.

Folders help keep your files organized, just like folders in your desk!

File Explorer

How to Use File Explorer

1

Open File Explorer

Click on the folder icon in the taskbar or find it in the Start menu.

2

Find Your Folders

Look on the left side to find important folders like Documents, Pictures, and Downloads.

3

Open Files

Double-click on a file to open it. The right program will start automatically!

4

Create New Folders

Right-click and select “New” then “Folder” to create a new folder to organize your files.

File Explorer looks like this:

File Explorer
Documents
Pictures
Downloads
Music
School Work
My Story.txt
Math Homework.xlsx

Activity: Identify the Icons! 🔍

Can you match these icons to what they represent? Click on the correct answer!

Using a Web Browser

A web browser is a program that helps you visit websites on the internet.

Some popular web browsers are:

  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari

Web Browser

Parts of a Web Browser

Kids Learning Website – Microsoft Edge
Kids Learning Website
New tab
D. Tabs
B. Back Button
C. Refresh Button
www.kidslearning.com
A. Address Bar

Kids Learning Website

Welcome to our fun learning website!

Website content
A

Address Bar

Where you type website addresses (URLs) to visit websites.

B

Back Button

Takes you back to the last website you visited.

C

Refresh Button

Reloads the current website to get the newest information.

D

Tabs

Let you have multiple websites open at the same time.

Comprehension Check! 📝

Answer these questions about what you’ve learned:

1. What is Windows?

2. What program helps you find your files and folders?

3. What do you use to visit websites?

Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve completed the Computer Explorer learning module!

You now know about:

  • The Windows operating system
  • How to find and open files
  • How to use a web browser

Certificate of Completion

This certifies that

has successfully completed the

Computer Explorer: Windows & Web Basics

learning module for 2nd Grade students

Main Activity

A web browser is like a magic window that lets you see and explore the internet. You use it by clicking on the little picture of the browser on your computer or phone, and then typing in the name of a website you want to visit. Once you hit enter, the browser will take you to that website and you can look at pictures, read stories, and play games!

These are the common web browser buttons. See if you can match the names to the icons.

Drag and drop the files into the correct folders.

File Sorting Challenge
Folder My Documents
Folder My Images
Folder My Music
Music Song1.mp3
Music Song2.mp3
Document Document1.docx
Document Document2.docx
Image Picture1.png
Image Picture2.png

Task List

Move all Document files 🕘
Move all Image files 🕘
Move all Music files 🕘

If you have time, practice your mouse skills:

Click on this picture to open the Google Slides file. 

  1. If you have a google account, click File -> Make a Copy
  2. If you don’t have a google account, click File -> Download As -> Microsoft PPT
  3. Complete the click and drag activities.
  4. *The slides must be used in edit mode (not presentation mode) for the pieces to be moveable. 

If your students aren’t ready for copy/paste yet, have them click the button for Level 1 instead:

Early Finishers

​When you finish, you can go to Sponge Activities


Strand: Empowered Learner

Standard: 1.c. use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

I Can Statements:

  • I can use a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen.
  • I can navigate a computer or mobile device using icons.