Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
Desktop and Icons
Desktop and Icons
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the computer desktop.
Point to an icon on the screen.
Explain that an icon is a small picture for a program.
Use the mouse to move the pointer to an icon.
Double-click an icon to open a program.
Describe the desktop as a computer's main workspace.
Have you ever seen a screen full of tiny pictures when you turn on a computer? 🤔
Today, we will learn about the computer's main screen. It is called the desktop! We will also learn about the small pictures, called icons. ✨
Real-World Applications
Starting your favorite game 🎮
Opening a drawing program to make art 🎨
Finding your schoolwork folder 📁
Putting old files in the trash can 🗑️
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Desktop 🖥️The main screen you see on the computer.It's like your real desk at school, where you keep all your things.
Icon 🎨A small picture that you can click on.An icon for a game looks like a picture from the game.
Pointer / Cursor ↖️The little arrow that moves when you move the mouse.It's like your finger pointing at things on the screen.
Click🖱️Pushing the mouse button one time.It's like gently tapping a button to choose your favorite color.
Double-Click 🖱️🖱️Pushing the mouse button two times, very fast!It's like a quick double-tap to open a surprise toy box.
Program / App 🚀A game or a tool on the computer.A drawing app lets you make pictures. A game app lets you play.
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
Point and Click Rule
Move the pointer to an icon, then click once.
Use this to choose something, like picking a crayon from a box.
Double-Click to Open Rule
Move the pointer to an icon, then click twice fast.
Use this to start a game or open a folder to see inside.
Drag and Drop Rule
Click and hold an icon, move the mouse, then let go.
Use this to move your icons around and keep your desktop tidy.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
You create a new folder and name it 'School Work' 🏫. What is the main reason to put all your school icons and files in it?
A.To hide your work from the teacher
B.To make the computer run faster
C.Because the folder icon looks nice
D.To keep all your school things in one easy-to-find place
Challenging
A grown-up says, 'Don't click on strange icons you find on the internet.' Why is this a very important safety rule for the desktop?
A.Because the icons might be boring
B.Because some strange icons can put a bad program (a virus) on the computer
C.Because the icons will cost money
D.Because clicking them will turn off the internet
Challenging
Yesterday, your game icon was on the desktop. Today, it is gone. The game still works if your mom finds it another way. What most likely happened to the ICON?
A.The game deleted itself from the computer
B.The computer is broken and needs to be fixed
C.The icon (a shortcut) was moved or dragged to the trash can
D.The icon is just hiding behind another icon
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