Intermediate
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+70 XP
Teacher-led from the board — pupils need no device

Inputs, Processes and Outputs

Explore how everyday technologies work by identifying what goes in, what happens inside and what comes out. Map devices like toasters and torches as input, process and output, then act them out.

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    1 - Getting Started ~5 mins

    The breakfast toaster itself, the object the whole lesson opens fromThink of a toaster at breakfast. Something goes in, something happens inside, and something comes out. What are those three things?

    Key point

    Today we will map everyday technologies the same way: input, process and output.

    2 - What Is IPO? ~7 mins

    Key point

    A torch shown close so children can spot switch, bulb and beamIPO is the short name for input, process and output.

    Those three breakfast ideas have names: input is what goes in, process is what the technology does, and output is what comes out.

    Every technology has all three. Turn to a neighbour and name one part for a torch: what goes in, what it does inside, or what comes out. Be ready to share.

    3 - Build an IPO Map on Screen ~10 mins

    Look at the three columns on the board: Input, Process, Output.

    We will place the cards for a torch together. Call out which column each card belongs in: press the switch, electricity goes to the bulb inside, beam of light.

    Map a torch as IPO

    4 - Map Devices on the Floor ~12 mins

    The three device cards groups will map, shown plainly togetherYour group gets one device card: a toaster, an automatic door or a pencil sharpener. Nobody gets the torch, because we mapped that one together.

    • First, stay at your places and agree the three parts for your device, then write one on each of three sticky notes (or sketch three boxes) so everyone in the group can see them: input, process, output.
    • Some groups will then take a turn on the shared floor spots labelled Input, Process and Output. When it is your group's turn, bring your notes with you, stand on the spots in order and say your three parts to the class.
    • While you are waiting or watching, listen to each group and check whether their three parts make sense, because you may be asked whether you agree and why.

    5 - Human Machine ~10 mins

    Key point

    Some groups will become a human machine for one device. One person is the input, one is the process, one is the output. They act the job in order, then act it a second time with one part quietly refusing to do its job.

    If your group is watching, do not name the three parts. We already know those. Say which part stopped, and what you saw that told you.

    Pupil practice · Investigation Journal
    Module 4 · Technology: What Technology Does, IPO and Coding Foundations
    Lesson 25 · Inputs, Processes and Outputs
    Download Investigation Journal sheet (PDF)
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