CS: Cloud Computing and Storage
Understanding how files, apps, and data are stored online
CS: Cloud Computing and Storage
Understanding how files, apps, and data are stored online
CS - Grade 6-8
- 1
Define cloud computing in your own words. Include one example of a cloud service a student might use.
Think about apps or files you can open from different devices when you sign in.
Cloud computing means using computers and servers on the internet to store data, run apps, or provide services instead of doing everything on one local device. A student might use Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, or an online learning platform. - 2
Explain the difference between local storage and cloud storage.
Local storage keeps files on a specific device, such as a laptop hard drive or a phone. Cloud storage keeps files on remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. - 3
A student saves a science report only on a school laptop. Another student saves the report in a cloud folder that syncs to the laptop. Which student is more likely to recover the report if the laptop breaks? Explain why.
A synced cloud file usually has a copy outside the device.
The student who saved the report in a cloud folder is more likely to recover it because the file is also stored on remote servers. If the laptop breaks, the student can sign in from another device and access the file. - 4
A cloud storage plan gives 15 GB of space. A class stores 24 videos, and each video is 250 MB. Using 1 GB = 1000 MB, how much space do the videos use, and how much space is left?
Multiply first, then convert megabytes to gigabytes.
The videos use 24 times 250 MB, which is 6000 MB or 6 GB. The class has 9 GB of space left because 15 GB minus 6 GB equals 9 GB. - 5
List two advantages of cloud storage for students working on a group project.
Cloud storage lets students access files from different devices and locations. It also makes it easier for group members to share files, edit documents together, and keep updated versions in one place. - 6
List two possible risks or disadvantages of cloud storage.
Consider what happens when the internet is down or an account is not protected.
Cloud storage may not work well if the internet connection is slow or unavailable. It can also create privacy or security risks if accounts are hacked, files are shared with the wrong people, or weak passwords are used. - 7
A document is shared with three settings: Viewer, Commenter, and Editor. Explain what each permission level usually allows someone to do.
A viewer can usually open and read the document but cannot change it. A commenter can usually read the document and add comments or suggestions. An editor can usually change the document content and may be able to share it with others. - 8
A student wants to share a cloud folder with a partner, but not with the whole class. Describe two safe sharing choices the student should make.
Safe sharing means controlling who can access the file and what they can do with it.
The student should share the folder only with the partner's correct account or email address. The student should also choose the least permission needed, such as viewer or commenter if the partner does not need to edit. - 9
Explain what syncing means when using cloud storage.
Syncing means keeping copies of files updated across devices and cloud servers. When a synced file changes in one place, the updated version can appear in other connected places. - 10
A file is edited on a tablet while offline. Later, the tablet reconnects to the internet. Describe one problem that could happen during syncing and how the cloud service might handle it.
Think about two people changing the same file before the cloud can compare the changes.
A problem could happen if someone else edited the same file while the tablet was offline. The cloud service might create a conflict copy, ask the user to choose a version, or merge the changes if possible. - 11
Explain why cloud companies often store copies of data in more than one data center.
Cloud companies store copies in more than one data center to improve reliability. If one server or location has a failure, another copy may still be available so users do not lose their data. - 12
Choose the stronger password and explain your choice: soccer123 or River!72Moon$.
Strong passwords are usually longer and harder to guess.
River!72Moon$ is stronger because it is longer and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Soccer123 is weaker because it uses a common word and a simple number pattern. - 13
Explain how two-factor authentication can help protect a cloud account.
Two-factor authentication adds a second step after the password, such as a code from a phone or authentication app. This helps protect the account because a stolen password alone may not be enough to sign in. - 14
A student says, "If my files are in the cloud, I never need a backup." Explain why this statement is not fully correct.
Cloud storage helps, but it is not the same as having multiple protected copies.
The statement is not fully correct because cloud files can still be deleted by mistake, changed by accident, locked by a hacked account, or lost if access to the account is removed. A backup in another safe place gives extra protection. - 15
Match each term to its meaning by writing the correct explanations: bandwidth, latency, and uptime.
Bandwidth means how much data can be sent through a connection in a certain amount of time. Latency means the delay before data starts moving or before a response is received. Uptime means the amount of time a service is working and available.