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Understanding RAM and data processing
This Computing video supports teachers in showing the children how RAM (Random Access Memory) helps computers process information quickly.
The video demonstrates how the amount of RAM has increased over time in Mars Rovers, allowing more complex data processing. It explains how memory is measured, from bits and bytes to kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes, helping the children understand the scale of digital information. The video highlights the difference between RAM, which enables real-time thinking, and the CPU, which handles processing. The lesson builds understanding of computer architecture, supporting the children in learning how memory and processing affect system performance and preparing them for the next stage, which is exploring data handling in more complex systems.
This video is part of the Year 5 Data handling: Mars Rover 1 unit, supporting the children to develop their understanding of computer hardware and data processing.
See more of our Year 5 Computing scheme of work.
