Computer Memory

A simple guide for elementary students.

Memory Basics

RAM (Working Memory)

Desk is empty.

RAM is like a desk. You work here now. Things appear and go away. When power goes off, the desk is cleared.

Three tasks appear and leave.

ROM (Display with Instructions)

Start System
Check Keyboard
Load Boot Program

ROM is like a display with rules written already. You can read them, but you don’t change them.

A lock appears to show it stays the same.

Storage (Bookshelf)

Storage is like a bookshelf. Files (books) are kept here for later.

Books slide onto the shelf and stay.

Sort the Items: RAM, ROM, or Storage

Running a drawing app
Typing a story
System BIOS
Computer startup instructions
Saving a picture
Old class project files
RAM
ROM
Storage
Score: 0 / 6

Animated Flow: Input → Binary → RAM → CPU → back to RAM

Input
RAM
CPU
A: 5
B: 3