Learning objective
Software
Software & Operating Systems
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Understanding applications, operating systems, updates, web vs native apps, and software licensing.
Apps & Icons
Recognize application icons and open/close software safely.
Let's Go!
Learn
Software is the set of programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do. Hardware is physical, while software is digital. We click app icons to open programs like drawing tools or web browsers.
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Launching & Closing Apps
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Needs assistance locating app icons on the screen.
Developing
Identifies 2-3 main app icons and opens them with support.
Secure (Goal)
Independently identifies app icons, opens programs, and closes them safely.
Mastery
Explains that software contains invisible instructions guiding hardware actions.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for Apps & Icons includes:
- Core Deliverable: Launching & Closing Apps
- Target Quality: Independently identifies app icons, opens programs, and closes them safely.
- Excellence & Polish: Explains that software contains invisible instructions guiding hardware actions.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: See Think Wonder
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Needs assistance locating app icons on the screen.
- Developing: Identifies 2-3 main app icons and opens them with support.
- Secure: Independently identifies app icons, opens programs, and closes them safely.
- Mastering: Explains that software contains invisible instructions guiding hardware actions.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.01.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y1.01 — Recognize application icons and open/close software safely.
PYP: Form · Software provides digital tools and instructions that enable hardware to perform specific tasks.
Learner profile: Inquirer
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow
Locked level
Level 2: OS vs Apps
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
OS vs Apps
Distinguish between the Operating System and user applications.
Learning objective
Differentiate between Operating System software (Windows, macOS, iOS) and Application software (Word, Scratch).
Let's Go!
Learn
The Operating System (OS) is the main boss software that controls the whole device (like Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, or iOS). Applications (Apps) are special tools built to do specific tasks, like playing a video or typing a story.
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Sorting System vs App Software
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Confuses the operating system background with individual app windows.
Developing
Names their device's operating system with teacher guidance.
Secure (Goal)
Accurately categorizes items as Operating Systems or Application programs.
Mastery
Describes how the OS acts as an essential bridge between hardware and user apps.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for OS vs Apps includes:
- Core Deliverable: Sorting System vs App Software
- Target Quality: Accurately categorizes items as Operating Systems or Application programs.
- Excellence & Polish: Describes how the OS acts as an essential bridge between hardware and user apps.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: Zoom In
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Confuses the operating system background with individual app windows.
- Developing: Names their device's operating system with teacher guidance.
- Secure: Accurately categorizes items as Operating Systems or Application programs.
- Mastering: Describes how the OS acts as an essential bridge between hardware and user apps.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.01.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y2.01 — Distinguish between the Operating System and user applications.
PYP: Function · Operating Systems manage hardware resources so applications can run smoothly.
Learner profile: Communicator
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow
Locked level
Level 3: Updates & Versions
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Updates & Versions
Understand software updates, security patches, and version numbers.
Learning objective
Explain why software requires regular updates and identify version numbers (e.g., v1.0 vs v2.0).
Let's Go!
Learn
Software isn't fixed forever; developers update it to fix errors ('bugs'), add new features, and shield devices from cyber threats ('security patches'). Version numbers like v1.0, v2.0, or v2.1 show how major or minor the update is.
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Checking App Versions & Release Notes
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Ignores update notifications without understanding their purpose.
Developing
Recognizes that updates change app features or fix glitches.
Secure (Goal)
Explains that updates fix bugs, add features, and patch security vulnerabilities.
Mastery
Interprets semantic versioning numbers (major vs minor update releases).
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for Updates & Versions includes:
- Core Deliverable: Checking App Versions & Release Notes
- Target Quality: Explains that updates fix bugs, add features, and patch security vulnerabilities.
- Excellence & Polish: Interprets semantic versioning numbers (major vs minor update releases).
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: Before After Slider
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Ignores update notifications without understanding their purpose.
- Developing: Recognizes that updates change app features or fix glitches.
- Secure: Explains that updates fix bugs, add features, and patch security vulnerabilities.
- Mastering: Interprets semantic versioning numbers (major vs minor update releases).
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.02.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y3.01 — Understand software updates, security patches, and version numbers.
PYP: Change · Continuous updates improve software functionality and protect systems from security risks.
Learner profile: Thinker
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow
Locked level
Level 4: Web vs Native
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Web vs Native
Compare web-based cloud applications with installed native applications.
Learning objective
Compare native installed software (runs offline, uses local drive) with web applications (runs in browser, uses cloud servers).
Let's Go!
Learn
Native Apps are downloaded and installed onto local hard drives, working even without internet. Web Apps run inside a web browser over the internet, saving work automatically to cloud servers.
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Comparing Native vs Web Apps
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Believes all software needs an active internet connection to function.
Developing
Identifies web apps that run inside a web browser.
Secure (Goal)
Contrasts native apps (offline, local storage) with web apps (online, cloud sync).
Mastery
Evaluates trade-offs (storage space, internet dependency, processing speed) when selecting software.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for Web vs Native includes:
- Core Deliverable: Comparing Native vs Web Apps
- Target Quality: Contrasts native apps (offline, local storage) with web apps (online, cloud sync).
- Excellence & Polish: Evaluates trade-offs (storage space, internet dependency, processing speed) when selecting software.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: SplitScreenSimulator
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Believes all software needs an active internet connection to function.
- Developing: Identifies web apps that run inside a web browser.
- Secure: Contrasts native apps (offline, local storage) with web apps (online, cloud sync).
- Mastering: Evaluates trade-offs (storage space, internet dependency, processing speed) when selecting software.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.02.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y4.01 — Compare web-based cloud applications with installed native applications.
PYP: Connection · Software execution model dictates offline availability, installation requirements, and cloud syncing.
Learner profile: Principled
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow
Locked level
Level 5: OS Core Skills
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
OS Core Skills
Examine how operating systems manage file systems, memory, drivers, and multitasking.
Learning objective
Describe core Operating System functions including file systems, memory allocation, device drivers, and multitasking.
Let's Go!
Learn
The Operating System performs four major jobs: 1) File Management (hierarchical folders), 2) Memory Allocation (sharing RAM), 3) Hardware Driver Coordination (translating commands for printers/webcams), and 4) Multitasking (running multiple apps concurrently).
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Exploring OS Resource Manager
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Struggles to manage multiple open application windows simultaneously.
Developing
Uses task switching (Alt+Tab) and understands that OS organizes files into folders.
Secure (Goal)
Explains the key roles of the OS: managing files, handling device drivers, and allocating RAM memory.
Mastery
Analyzes system resource usage in Task Manager to diagnose non-responding programs.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for OS Core Skills includes:
- Core Deliverable: Exploring OS Resource Manager
- Target Quality: Explains the key roles of the OS: managing files, handling device drivers, and allocating RAM memory.
- Excellence & Polish: Analyzes system resource usage in Task Manager to diagnose non-responding programs.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: ShortcutSimulator
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Struggles to manage multiple open application windows simultaneously.
- Developing: Uses task switching (Alt+Tab) and understands that OS organizes files into folders.
- Secure: Explains the key roles of the OS: managing files, handling device drivers, and allocating RAM memory.
- Mastering: Analyzes system resource usage in Task Manager to diagnose non-responding programs.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.03.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y5.01 — Examine how operating systems manage file systems, memory, drivers, and multitasking.
PYP: Perspective · Operating systems allocate CPU cycles, RAM memory, and driver protocols to coordinate multiple processes.
Learner profile: Knowledgeable
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow
Locked level
Level 6: Licensing & Safety
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Licensing & Safety
Evaluate software licensing types, open-source models, malware risks, and safe installation.
Learning objective
Differentiate between proprietary, open-source, and freemium software licensing models while assessing malware risks.
Let's Go!
Learn
Software has legal licenses: Proprietary (paid, closed source e.g. Photoshop), Open Source (free, community editable source code e.g. Blender/Linux), and Freemium. Downloading pirated software risks introducing Malware (viruses, ransomware, spyware) into systems.
The Computer Software Stack
Click any layer to inspect its responsibilities1. Application Layer
Browsers, Video Games, Word Processors↓ API Call
2. Operating System (OS)
Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux↓ System Call
3. Device Drivers & Utilities
Graphics, Audio, Printer, Mouse Drivers↓ Firmware Interface
4. BIOS / UEFI Firmware
Motherboard Bootloader & Hardware Init↓ Electrical Machine Code
5. Physical Hardware (Base)
CPU, RAM, GPU, Hard Drive StorageLayer 1
Application Layer
Applications are programs created for human users. Whether you are typing a school report, playing Minecraft, or watching an educational video, you interact with the software stack through applications.
How it communicates:
Applications never touch physical memory or hard drives directly! Instead, they make Application Programming Interface (API) requests to the Operating System.
Curriculum Focus:
Notice how the application stays simple and user-friendly because the lower layers handle all the complex hardware details.
Try it yourself
Software License & Security Audit
🚀 Open a practice space
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Attempts to download executable files from unverified pop-up advertisements.
Developing
Understands that downloading software requires permission and official source verification.
Secure (Goal)
Compares Proprietary vs. Open Source software (e.g., MS Office vs LibreOffice/GIMP) and identifies malware threats.
Mastery
Evaluates End User License Agreements (EULA) and designs safe software deployment protocols.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar Standard
A top-tier student project for Licensing & Safety includes:
- Core Deliverable: Software License & Security Audit
- Target Quality: Compares Proprietary vs. Open Source software (e.g., MS Office vs LibreOffice/GIMP) and identifies malware threats.
- Excellence & Polish: Evaluates End User License Agreements (EULA) and designs safe software deployment protocols.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
⭐Self-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?
Reflect
Learning check
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: See Think Wonder
Achievement pathway
- Foundation: Attempts to download executable files from unverified pop-up advertisements.
- Developing: Understands that downloading software requires permission and official source verification.
- Secure: Compares Proprietary vs. Open Source software (e.g., MS Office vs LibreOffice/GIMP) and identifies malware threats.
- Mastering: Evaluates End User License Agreements (EULA) and designs safe software deployment protocols.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.03.B.1.1
Outcome: SOFT.Y6.01 — Evaluate software licensing types, open-source models, malware risks, and safe installation.
PYP: Reflection · Ethical digital citizenship requires respecting intellectual property licenses and protecting software against malware.
Learner profile: Reflective
Competency tags
Gate support
Accessibility alternative:
Teacher override: allow