---
title: "Computers in Everyday Life"
description: "Identifying computers in everyday life: not just laptops but phones, tablets, smart speakers, traffic lights, washing machines; what makes something a computer"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/computers-in-everyday-life-mt_XbGfVhfiUz
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/computers-in-everyday-life-mt_XbGfVhfiUz.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Computers in Everyday Life

Identifying computers in everyday life: not just laptops but phones, tablets, smart speakers, traffic lights, washing machines; what makes something a computer

Subject: Computing · Area: Artificial Intelligence · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/computers-in-everyday-life-mt_XbGfVhfiUz

## Ready when they can

- Point out at least five everyday objects that contain computers
- Explain what all computers have in common (they follow instructions and process information)
- Sort a set of objects into 'contains a computer' and 'does not contain a computer'

## Lesson: Computers hiding all around you

A computer is not just a laptop or a phone. Many objects around you have a tiny computer hidden inside. It follows steps and works with information.

**Example.** Look at a washing machine. It waits for you to press a button. Then it follows steps: fill, wash, rinse, spin. That is a computer at work.

*(drawing: Fill, wash, rinse, spin, every single time. The tiny computer inside never forgets its steps.)*

Phones, tablets, and smart speakers all have computers inside. Traffic lights do too. They wait, then change color at the right time. Even a microwave counts down the seconds for you.

**Tip.** Ask yourself: does it follow steps to decide what to do? If it does, it likely has a computer inside.

**Recap.** A computer follows steps and uses information, even in surprising places.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/step-by-step-instructions-mt__p5n8z5soJ)
- [Creating Digital Content](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/creating-digital-content-mt_dfhHVURsn6)
- [Real-World Robots](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/real-world-robots-mt_jvJ35MmCvK)
- [Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/smart-versus-not-smart-devices-mt_WRRv1ABECC)