Lesson 1: What Is the Internet?

⏱ ~15 min Lesson 1 of 6 💚 Free

The internet is a giant network of computers all talking to each other. Just like roads connect cities, cables and wireless signals connect computers all over the world. Let's explore how it works and why it's so amazing!

Key Concepts

Computers Everywhere!

Computers aren't just on desks — they're in phones, tablets, TVs, cars, and even refrigerators! When they share information with each other, that's the internet.

The World Wide Web

The web is made up of billions of pages — like this one! Each page has an address called a URL. Your browser (like Chrome or Safari) is a tool you use to visit web pages.

Sending Messages

When you send a message or watch a video, your information travels as tiny pieces of data called packets. They zoom through cables and bounce off satellites to reach their destination.

🆕 Activity: How Packets Travel

Watch a data packet travel from your computer to a website and back! Click Send to launch a packet.

✅ Check Your Understanding

1. What is the internet?

2. What do we call the tiny pieces of data that travel across the internet?

3. What tool do you use to visit web pages?