Year 8 • Computer Systems • Lesson 3

Do Now!

When a program runs, it moves from storage into memory, instructions are fetched into the processor, and the results are sent back to memory and storage.

Program journey diagram A visual showing a program moving from storage to memory to the processor, then results moving back to memory and storage. Storage App and files kept for later use Main memory Program loaded while in use Processor Fetches and executes instructions load app fetch send results back save data Storage -> Memory -> Processor -> Memory -> Storage

Today's Big Idea

The operating system acts like a conductor, managing the computer so the processor, memory, and storage can work together.

Storage Keeps programs and files for later.
Memory Holds what is being used right now.
Processor Fetches and executes instructions.

Activity 1: Match the Key Terms

Drag each term into the correct definition.

Processor
Main memory
Storage
Instruction
Operating system
Fetch
Term Definition
The part of the computer that executes instructions and processes data.
Temporarily holds programs and data while they are being used.
Keeps programs and data for the long term, even when the power is off.
A single step in a program that tells the computer what to do.
System software that manages hardware and allows other programs to run.
The stage where the next instruction is copied from memory into the processor.

Activity 2: Sort the Statements

Place each statement into the component it describes.

Holds the Planetarium app before Stella opens it.
Receives the program after it is copied from storage.
Stores the instructions that are fetched one by one.
Executes each instruction to create the simulated view.
Works on the instructions it has just fetched.
Receives data back from the processor before it is saved.
Saves the results so they can be used later.
Keeps files even after the computer is switched off.

Storage

Main memory

Processor

Activity 3: Explain the Journey

Explain what happens in the background between the storage, memory, and processor in this scenario.

A student opens a music app on a tablet. The song list appears, the student taps play, and later saves a new playlist.

Start by saying where the app is stored before it is opened. Then explain that it is copied into memory, that the processor fetches and executes instructions, and that any new data is sent back to memory before being saved to storage.

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Create a record of your starter activity responses.