Explain these parts of a personal computer: central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, and printer.
(I think a modem and mouse dates this list a bit. We explained what wireless internet is and the touchpad is the stand in for the mouse.)
Demonstrate how to start up and shut down a personal computer properly.
(Again, we use Macs – we don’t shut down and start up our computer because we don’t get the blue screen of death and random shut downs. We just close the computer and let it sleep and wake it back up. Hmmm… we asked C how to shut down a computer and turn it back on and he had it right, except he was referring to making it sleep and wake up. 🙂 He didn’t know that some people have to completely shut down their computers, he thought that was really funny. We only do that when the toddlers press the power button and shut it down before we can stop them.)
Use your computer to prepare and print a document.
Earn the Computers belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements:
Use a computer to prepare a report on a subject of interest to you. Share it with your den.
Make a list of 10 devices that can be found in the home that use a computer chip to function.
Use a computer to maintain a balance sheet of your earnings or allowance for four weeks.
Use a spreadsheet program to organize some information.
Use an illustration, drawing, or painting program to create a picture.
Use a computer to prepare a thank-you letter to someone.
With your parent’s or adult partner’s permission, log on to the Internet. Visit the Boy Scouts of America Web site: (http://www.scouting.org).
Discuss personal safety rules you should pay attention to while using the Internet. (C says never go to YouTube. 🙂 )
Practice a new computer game for two weeks. Demonstrate an improvement in your scores.
With your parent’s or adult partner’s permission, correspond with a friend via e-mail. Have at least five e-mail replies from your friend.
Visit a local business or government agency that uses a mainframe computer to handle its business. Explain how computers save the company time and money in carrying out its work.