Computer Science
Grade 7
20 min
Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet?
Students will learn about the history of the internet and its impact on society.
What you'll learn
- Identify at least three distinct hardware components (e.g., routers, servers, cables) that make up the Internet and explain their basic function in transmitting data.
- Explain the difference between the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet, providing at least two examples of how the WWW uses the Internet.
- Describe in simple terms how data is transmitted across the Internet using packets, including the role of IP addresses, in a written paragraph of at least 5 sentences.
- Given a scenario describing a common Internet activity (e.g., streaming a video, sending an email), identify the key network components involved in the process and explain the general flow of data.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a computer network and the Internet are.
Explain the difference between a client and a server.
Describe the role of a router and an IP address in a network.
Define 'packet' and explain how data is broken down to travel across the Internet.
Trace the basic path of a request from a computer to a website's server and back.
Identify the Internet as a 'network of networks'.
Ever wonder how you can watch a video from Japan 🇯🇵 on your phone in seconds, even though you're thousands of miles away? 📱 Let's uncover the magic!
In this lesson, we'll explore the amazing 'network of networks' called the Internet. You'll learn how your computer talks to other computers across the world to bring you webs...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Computer NetworkA group of two or more computers connected together so they can share information and resources.The computers in your school's computer lab are a network. They can all share the same printer.
The InternetA giant, worldwide network made up of millions of smaller private and public networks all connected together.When you use Google to search for something, you are using the Internet to connect your computer to Google's computers.
ClientA computer or device (like your phone or laptop) that requests information or a service from another computer.Your web browser (like Chrome or Safari) is a client. It asks a website's server for the webpage you want to see.
ServerA powerful computer that stores information (like websites, videos, or game d...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Client-Server Model
Clients REQUEST information, and Servers RESPOND with that information.
This is the basic back-and-forth conversation that happens every time you use the internet. Your browser (the client) asks a website's server for a page, and the server sends it back. This pattern is used for websites, online games, email, and more.
Packet Switching
Data is broken into packets -> Packets are sent independently -> Packets are reassembled at the destination.
This is how the internet sends large files efficiently. Instead of one big, slow stream, it sends many small pieces that can take different paths and are put back together at the end, like a puzzle. This makes the network fast and reliable.
IP Addressing
Every device connected to the internet mu...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
You are trying to load a website. Your request travels from your computer, through your router, through several other routers, and reaches the website's server. If one of the routers in the middle of the path suddenly breaks, what will most likely happen?
A.The network will automatically try to find a different path for your packets around the broken router.
B.The entire Internet will shut down until the router is fixed.
C.Your computer will crash because it cannot get a response.
D.The server will send the website to every computer on the internet, hoping it reaches you.
Challenging
A classmate claims, 'Sending a big video file is slow because it has to travel in one huge, unbroken stream.' Why is this statement incorrect?
A.The statement is correct; bigger files are single streams and cause traffic jams.
B.Videos are not sent over the internet; they are only stored on your computer.
C.The video is broken into thousands of small packets, which can travel independently and be reassembled.
D.The speed is slow only because the server is slow, not because of how the data travels.
Challenging
To play an online game, your console sends a request. Which option correctly identifies the role of each component in this process?
A.Client: Game Server, Server: Your Console, Router: The Game, IP Address: Your Player Name
B.Client: Your Router, Server: The Internet, Packet: The Game, IP Address: The Server's Location
C.Client: The Game, Server: The Internet, Router: Your Console, Packet: The IP Address
D.Client: Your Console, Server: Game Company's Computer, Router: Directs traffic, IP Address: The Server's address
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet?"?
Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet? is a Grade 7 Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet??
You'll be able to: Identify at least three distinct hardware components (e.g., routers, servers, cables) that make up the Internet and explain their basic function in transmitting data; Explain the difference between the World Wide Web (WWW) and….
Is "Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet?" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Introduction to Computer Networks: What is the Internet??
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.