Welcome to File Types & Extensions! In this strand, you will explore how computers recognize different kinds of information—from documents and images to audio, video, and code—and learn how to choose, convert, and manage file formats for any project.
Congratulations on mastering Levels 1 to 6! Here is your one-page visual synthesis of every key concept learned:
▶View All 6 Level Key Concepts & Standards6 Levels Summarised
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Level 1🚀
Text & Pictures
Recognising basic file icons for text and pictures.
Key Takeaway:Computers use special icons so you know what is inside a file before you open it! A document icon usually shows text lines, while an image icon shows a tiny picture.
#file-types#images#documents
✓ Mastered
📌
Level 2🛡️
Audio & Video
Identifying audio, video, and multimedia files.
Key Takeaway:Audio files (like music or voice recordings) only play sound.
Key Takeaway:The three or four letters after the dot in a file name are called the File Extension! They act like a label telling the computer exactly what kind of file it is.
Congratulations on completing all 6 levels of File Types & Extensions! To unlock the Tech Sprint: Digital Efficiency Dash, you must collect all 16 Key Shards across the Daily Technology Skills strands. Here is your cipher fragment for Slot #6:
KEY SHARD #6
5
Slot 6 of 16
🧩 Daily Technology Skills Key Ring Tracker:Slot #6 Active
Recognising basic file icons for text and pictures.
Learning objective
Learning About: File Symbols. Learning To: Identify text vs images. Learning To Be: Inquirer.
Let's Go!
Routine: See, Think, Wonder
Look at these two icons on the desktop—one has lines of text, and one has a picture. What do you notice?
Teacher note: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Form (Digital symbols help us identify different types of media.).
Learn
Computers use special icons so you know what is inside a file before you open it! A document icon usually shows text lines, while an image icon shows a tiny picture. In computing, digital symbols help us identify different types of media. As you explore the interactive File Extension Simulator below, focus on how to match picture and text files to the correct app to open them.
Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Curriculum:Step 1 • Bronze Tier
🧩
Step 1 • Bronze (Level 1): Text & Pictures
Match each file extension on the left with its correct media category on the right.
Extension (.ext)
MATCH
File Purpose & Icon
🛡️
Malware Defense: Spot the Disguised File Extension!
Attackers often name files like Homework.pdf.exe to trick students. Click the SAFE file and report the MALWARE.
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History_Essay.pdf
Adobe Acrobat Document
📕
Free_Game_Cheat.pdf.exe
Executable Program (Dangerous!)
Apply Simulator Skills • Try it yourself
Sort the files!
🔄Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 1 Tasks 1, 2 & 3
Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:
🎉
Simulator Tasks 1–3 Mastered!Step 1 Verified
Great job mastering the interactive simulation! Now complete the real-world transfer checklist below and save your work into your digital portfolio.
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)▾
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Recognise that files store different things like pictures and words.
Developing
Identify text documents vs picture files by their visual icons.
Secure (Goal)
Match picture and text files to the correct app to open them.
Mastery
Explain why pictures and text open in different apps. Typing: 5 WPM.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar 1 of 2
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Text & Pictures.
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Text & Pictures.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
Reflect
🎯
Self-Assessment & Reflection
How easily can you spot the difference between a text file and an image file?
🟢Secure Level
Match picture and text files to the correct app to open them.
Learning check
Learning Check
Which icon represents an image file on your computer?
Select the matching icon or option below:
Hint 1: Look closely at the icon showing a small picture.
Hint 2: Clue: Image files show picture icons!
Answer correctly to unlock the next level.
Spot on! Image files show picture icons!Look closely at the icon showing a small picture.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: See, Think, Wonder
Teacher notes: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Form (Digital symbols help us identify different types of media.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Recognise that files store different things like pictures and words.
Developing: Identify text documents vs picture files by their visual icons.
Secure: Match picture and text files to the correct app to open them.
Mastering: Explain why pictures and text open in different apps. Typing: 5 WPM.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.01.B.1.2
Outcome: FT-O-01 — Recognising basic file icons for text and pictures.
PYP: Form · Digital symbols help us identify different types of media.
Learner profile: Inquirer
Competency tags
file-types
images
documents
icons
Gate support
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "Which icon represents an image file on your computer?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Level 2
Audio & Video
Identifying audio, video, and multimedia files.
Learning objective
Learning About: Audio & Video. Learning To: Play media files. Learning To Be: Communicator.
Let's Go!
Routine: Zoom In
Look closely at this icon with a musical note and play button. What type of file do you think it is?
Teacher note: Facilitate the Zoom In routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Function (Sound and moving images require specific digital formats.).
Learn
Audio files (like music or voice recordings) only play sound. Video files contain both moving pictures and sound! Checking the icon helps you choose the right app to open them. In computing, sound and moving images require specific digital formats. As you explore the interactive Formatting Toolbar Simulator below, focus on how to distinguish between audio-only files and video files.
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)▾
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Recognise sound and video files by their icons.
Developing
Play audio and video files using the correct media player.
Secure (Goal)
Distinguish between audio-only files and video files.
Mastery
Select the best media format for a podcast vs a movie clip. Typing: 10 WPM.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar 1 of 2
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Audio & Video.
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Audio & Video.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
Reflect
🎯
Self-Assessment & Reflection
Do you know how to tell an audio file apart from a video file?
🟢Secure Level
Distinguish between audio-only files and video files.
Learning check
Learning Check
You want to record a podcast interview with only sound. What type of file should you make?
Select the correct file type from the options below.
Hint 1: Think about which file type records sound without video.
Hint 2: Clue: Audio files only store sound!
Answer correctly to unlock the next level.
Correct! Audio files only store sound!Think about which file type records sound without video.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: Zoom In
Teacher notes: Facilitate the Zoom In routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Function (Sound and moving images require specific digital formats.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Recognise sound and video files by their icons.
Developing: Play audio and video files using the correct media player.
Secure: Distinguish between audio-only files and video files.
Mastering: Select the best media format for a podcast vs a movie clip. Typing: 10 WPM.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.01.B.1.2
Outcome: FT-O-02 — Identifying audio, video, and multimedia files.
PYP: Function · Sound and moving images require specific digital formats.
Learner profile: Communicator
Competency tags
audio
video
media-types
sound-files
Gate support
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "You want to record a podcast interview with only sound. What type of file should you make?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
Learning About: Extensions. Learning To: Read file tags. Learning To Be: Thinker.
Let's Go!
Routine: Think, Puzzle, Explore
Why do file names have three letters after a dot, like 'photo.jpg' or 'song.mp3'?
Teacher note: Facilitate the Think, Puzzle, Explore routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Connection (File extensions tell the operating system how to handle data.).
Learn
The three or four letters after the dot in a file name are called the File Extension! They act like a label telling the computer exactly what kind of file it is. In computing, file extensions tell the operating system how to handle data. As you explore the interactive Drawing Layers Simulator below, focus on how to match file extensions to their corresponding file categories.
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)▾
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Recognise the dot and letters at the end of a file name.
Developing
Identify .txt, .jpg, .mp3, and .mp4 extensions.
Secure (Goal)
Match file extensions to their corresponding file categories.
Mastery
Explain how changing an extension affects file opening. Typing: 15 WPM.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar 1 of 2
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for File Extensions.
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for File Extensions.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
Reflect
🎯
Self-Assessment & Reflection
How confident are you reading file extensions like .jpg and .mp3?
🟢Secure Level
Match file extensions to their corresponding file categories.
Learning check
Learning Check
Which file extension tells the computer that a file is a digital photograph?
Choose the correct extension.
Hint 1: .mp3 is sound, .mp4 is video, .txt is plain text.
Hint 2: Clue: .jpg (JPEG) is standard for digital photographs!
Answer correctly to unlock the next level.
.jpg (JPEG) is standard for digital photographs!Remember: .mp3 is sound, .mp4 is video, .txt is plain text.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: Think, Puzzle, Explore
Teacher notes: Facilitate the Think, Puzzle, Explore routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Connection (File extensions tell the operating system how to handle data.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Recognise the dot and letters at the end of a file name.
Developing: Identify .txt, .jpg, .mp3, and .mp4 extensions.
Secure: Match file extensions to their corresponding file categories.
Mastering: Explain how changing an extension affects file opening. Typing: 15 WPM.
PYP: Connection · File extensions tell the operating system how to handle data.
Learner profile: Thinker
Competency tags
file-extensions
file-formats
operating-system
Gate support
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "Which file extension tells the computer that a file is a digital photograph?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
Learning About: Document Formats. Learning To: Choose file types. Learning To Be: Principled.
Let's Go!
Routine: See, Think, Wonder
Look at these three files: 'report.docx', 'slides.pptx', and 'data.csv'. How is each structured?
Teacher note: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Responsibility (Choosing appropriate document formats enables effective communication.).
Learn
Different tasks need different document formats! Word documents (.docx) are built for writing, presentations (.pptx) are built for slides, and CSV files (.csv) hold raw structured data. In computing, choosing appropriate document formats enables effective communication. As you explore the interactive Audio Soundboard Simulator below, focus on how to select the appropriate format (.docx vs .pdf vs .csv) based on user needs.
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)▾
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Differentiate between editable documents and presentations.
Developing
Recognise .docx for word processing, .pptx for slides, and .csv for data.
Secure (Goal)
Select the appropriate format (.docx vs .pdf vs .csv) based on user needs.
Mastery
Explain why .csv is used for spreadsheet data transfer. Typing: 20 WPM.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar 1 of 2
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Document Formats.
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Document Formats.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
Reflect
🎯
Self-Assessment & Reflection
Do you know when to use .docx vs .pptx vs .csv?
🟢Secure Level
Select the appropriate format (.docx vs .pdf vs .csv) based on user needs.
Learning check
Learning Check
You need to create a slide deck with pictures for a science presentation. Which file type should you use?
Select the best file format.
Hint 1: Think about which format holds slides and visual presentations.
Hint 2: Clue: .pptx is designed specifically for slide presentations!
Answer correctly to unlock the next level.
Correct! .pptx is designed specifically for slide presentations!Think about which format holds slides and visual presentations.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: See, Think, Wonder
Teacher notes: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Responsibility (Choosing appropriate document formats enables effective communication.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Differentiate between editable documents and presentations.
Developing: Recognise .docx for word processing, .pptx for slides, and .csv for data.
Secure: Select the appropriate format (.docx vs .pdf vs .csv) based on user needs.
Mastering: Explain why .csv is used for spreadsheet data transfer. Typing: 20 WPM.
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "You need to create a slide deck with pictures for a science presentation. Which file type should you use?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Level 5
Compression & Export
File compression (.zip), image formats (.png vs .jpg), and exports.
Learning objective
Learning About: Compression. Learning To: Zip & export. Learning To Be: Knowledgeable.
Let's Go!
Routine: I used to think...
I used to think all image files were identical... Now I know .png and .jpg do very different jobs!
Teacher note: Facilitate the I used to think... routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Perspective (Optimising file sizes and formats ensures efficient digital sharing.).
Learn
File size matters! Large video or image files use up storage and take forever to email. Creating a .zip folder squishes files together for fast sending, while choosing .png gives clear background transparency. In computing, optimising file sizes and formats ensures efficient digital sharing. As you explore the interactive Save Dialog Simulator below, focus on how to choose between .png (transparent/sharp) and .jpg (compressed photo) for graphics.
Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Curriculum:Step 5 • Bronze Tier
💾
Step 1 • Bronze (Level 1): New Projects & First Save
Type a clear name in the "File name" box and click Save to store it on the Desktop.
🌟 Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)▾
🎯 Task Success Criteria (Rubric)
Foundation
Recognise that large media files take longer to send or upload.
Developing
Compress multiple files into a single .zip archive.
Secure (Goal)
Choose between .png (transparent/sharp) and .jpg (compressed photo) for graphics.
Mastery
Calculate file size savings when compressing folders or converting images. Typing: 25 WPM.
👀 What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)
Exemplar 1 of 2
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Compression & Export.
⭐ Mastering Standard
Understanding Formats Exemplar: Demonstration of mastering quality standards for Compression & Export.
📁
Save to Your Website Portfolio:
When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!
Reflect
🎯
Self-Assessment & Reflection
How confident are you using .zip folders to send multiple files at once?
🟢Secure Level
Choose between .png (transparent/sharp) and .jpg (compressed photo) for graphics.
Learning check
Learning Check
You have 10 large project files to email to your teacher in one go. What is the best way to package them?
Choose the correct compression file type.
Hint 1: Think about how archiving into a .zip file reduces file sizes for sending.
Hint 2: Clue: Mastered! A .zip archive packages and compresses multiple files into one!
Answer correctly to unlock the next level.
Mastered! A .zip archive packages and compresses multiple files into one!Think about how archiving into a .zip file reduces file sizes for sending.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: I used to think...
Teacher notes: Facilitate the I used to think... routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Perspective (Optimising file sizes and formats ensures efficient digital sharing.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Recognise that large media files take longer to send or upload.
Developing: Compress multiple files into a single .zip archive.
Secure: Choose between .png (transparent/sharp) and .jpg (compressed photo) for graphics.
Mastering: Calculate file size savings when compressing folders or converting images. Typing: 25 WPM.
Curriculum links
Curriculum strand: CM.03.B.1.1
Outcome: FT-O-05 — File compression (.zip), image formats (.png vs .jpg), and exports.
PYP: Perspective · Optimising file sizes and formats ensures efficient digital sharing.
Learner profile: Knowledgeable
Competency tags
file-compression
zip-files
png-vs-jpg
media-export
Gate support
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "You have 10 large project files to email to your teacher in one go. What is the best way to package them?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.
Level 6
Compatibility & Conversion
Cross-platform compatibility, file conversion tools, and code formats.
Learning objective
Learning About: Compatibility. Learning To: Convert & troubleshoot. Learning To Be: Reflective.
Let's Go!
Routine: Step Inside
Imagine you are an operating system trying to read a file created on a different device. What compatibility problems might you run into?
Teacher note: Facilitate the Step Inside routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Reflection (Understanding file structures allows seamless cross-platform interoperability.).
Learn
Not all computers run the same software! Converting proprietary file formats into open web standards (like .mp3, .pdf, or .html) ensures anyone on any device can open and view your work without errors. In computing, understanding file structures allows seamless cross-platform interoperability. As you explore the interactive Upload Download Simulator below, focus on how to troubleshoot file compatibility issues across different operating systems (Windows, Mac, ChromeOS).
Interactive Simulator Sandbox
Curriculum:Step 6 • Bronze Tier
☁️
Step 6 • Bronze (Task 16)
Identify images on a webpage and click Download to pull them to your local device.
💻My Computer
⇄ Idle
☁️Cloud Drive
Online
Uploading "My_Artwork.png"...0%
Transferring data...
📁 Classroom Shared FolderStorage: 1.2 GB of 15 GB used
Hint 1: Think about which open standard allows any device or browser to view content.
Hint 2: Clue: Mastered! Open formats like PDF or web links ensure universal compatibility across all devices!
Answer correctly to complete this strand.
Mastered! Open formats like PDF or web links ensure universal compatibility across all devices!Think about which open standard allows any device or browser to view content.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors
Spark support
Routine: Step Inside
Teacher notes: Facilitate the Step Inside routine for 2–3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Reflection (Understanding file structures allows seamless cross-platform interoperability.).
Achievement pathway
Foundation: Identify when a file fails to open due to missing software.
Developing: Use online or built-in conversion tools to convert between formats (.wav to .mp3, .png to .jpg).
Secure: Troubleshoot file compatibility issues across different operating systems (Windows, Mac, ChromeOS).
Mastering: Explain how plain-text code files (.html, .css, .json) structure modern web apps. Typing: 30+ WPM.
Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "A classmate on a Chromebook cannot open your desktop presentation file. How should you convert and resend it so they can view it easily?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.
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⭐ Mastering Standard
⭐ Mastering Standard
"Great explanation! Suggest adding a bulleted list of astronaut equipment here for clarity."