homework about mouse

Mouse House

Practice your Mouse Skills through Games. Have Fun!

The struggle to find an engaging site for students that is easy to use and navigate is difficult. Computer Mouse Practice was created by a Media Specialist to cater to younger students. Computer Mouse Practice games help beginning computer users learn mouse skills through hand-eye coordination by dragging, dropping, clicking, double-clicking, and scrolling. Use in the classroom to engage students while practicing mouse skills. Computer Mouse Practice is learner tested and approved. Bookmark and enjoy in your classroom, library, or even at home with your younger learners.

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M. Ed Media Specialist Keller EdTechcation

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This site is not claiming or taking credit to have created the games herewith-in. This site is simply stating that a website was built to allow ease of access for students to enhance their mouse skills.

Computer mouse

A computer mouse is a handheld hardware input device that controls a cursor in a GUI (graphical user interface) for pointing, moving and selecting text , icons , files , and folders on your computer. In addition to these functions, a mouse can also be used to drag-and-drop objects and give you access to the right-click menu.

For desktop computers, the mouse is placed on a flat surface (e.g., mouse pad or desk) in front of your computer. The picture shows a Logitech desktop computer mouse with two primary buttons and a wheel.

Who invented the mouse?

What are the uses of a mouse, how has the mouse increased computer usability.

• Types of computer mice.
• Computer mouse ports.

What are the parts of a computer mouse?

What does a laptop use for a mouse, do smartphones use a mouse, what hand should i use to control the mouse, how can i use or practice using the mouse, how do i change my mouse's batteries.

• Mouse vs. mice or mouses.

Is "mouse" an acronym?

• Related information.
• Mouse and touchpad help and support.

The mouse was initially known as the X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System and was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963 while working at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). But, due to Alto's lack of success, the first widely used application of the mouse was with the Apple Lisa computer . Today, this pointing device is on virtually every computer.

• When and by whom was the first computer mouse invented?

Below lists of all the computer mouse functions and options to give you an idea of all the mouse capabilities.

• Move the mouse cursor - The primary function is to move the mouse pointer on the screen.
• Point - Once the mouse is moved, you can point something out for another user or point a digital object. For example, in a game you can use the mouse to point a gun in the direction to shoot.
• Open or execute a program - Once you've moved the pointer to an icon, folder, or another object clicking or double-clicking that object opens the document or executes the program . Some programs even support tripple-clicking. See our click page for further information on mouse clicking.
• Select - A mouse also lets you select text or a file or highlight and select multiple files at once.
• How to select or highlight multiple files and folders.
• Drag-and-drop - Once something is selected, it can also be moved using the drag-and-drop method.
• Hover - Moving the mouse cursor over objects with hover information helps discover each object's function. For example, hover the mouse over the "hover" link to see an example.
• Scroll - When working with a long document or viewing a long web page , you may need to scroll up or down. To scroll, rotate the mouse wheel , or click-and-drag the scroll bar . The mouse wheel can also be used as a button. See the IntelliMouse page for further information and functions of the mouse wheel.
• Perform other functions - Many desktop mice also have buttons that can be programmed to perform any function. For example, many mice have two side buttons on the thumb portion of the mouse. The button closest to the palm can be programmed to go back to the previously viewed web page in a browser .

For help with using a mouse and performing all the above functions, see: How to use a computer mouse.

When using a computer mouse, you don't have to memorize commands, such as those utilized in a text-based command line environment like MS-DOS . For example, in MS-DOS, you would need to know the cd command and dir command and type the commands on the keyboard to open a directory (folder) and view its files. Whereas a Windows user only has to double-click to open a folder and see its contents.

Types of computer mice

Below is a listing of all the types of computer mice and pointing devices used with a computer. Today, for a desktop computer, the most common type of mouse is an optical mouse that connects to the USB (universal serial bus) port and known as a USB mouse . For laptop computers, the most common type of mouse is the touchpad.

• Cordless (Wireless)
• IntelliMouse (Wheel mouse)
• Touchpad (Glidepoint)

Computer mouse ports

Today, most computer mice connect to a computer using a USB port. Below lists the ports and wireless connections a mouse can use.

• Serial Port

The parts of a computer mouse can vary by the type of computer mouse. Below is a general overview of the parts found on most computer mice.

Today, almost all computer mice have at least two buttons, a left button and right button for clicking and manipulating objects and text. In the past, there were mice with only one button. For example, many of the early Apple computer mice only had one button.

A desktop mouse with a wheel may have the wheel act as a third mouse button when pressed. Also, many desktop mice have additional thumb buttons, so it's also possible for a mouse to have five or more buttons.

Ball, laser, or LED

A desktop mouse uses a ball and rollers if it's a mechanical mouse or a laser or LED (light-emitting diode) if it's an optical mouse. These components track the movement of the mouse on an x-axis and y-axis and move the mouse cursor on the screen. The picture shows the bottom of a mechanical and optical mouse.

Mouse wheel

Today's desktop computer mice also usually include a mouse wheel that lets you scroll up and down on a page.

Instead of rolling the wheel, if you push in on the wheel, it can be used as a third button.

Circuit board

To transmit ( input ) all mouse signal information, clicks, and other information, the mouse must also have a circuit board with integrated circuits .

Cable or wireless receiver

For a corded mouse, it includes a cable with a plug that connects to the computer. Today, most corded mice connect to the USB port. If your computer has a wireless mouse, it needs a USB wireless receiver to receive the wireless signal and input it into the computer.

Other parts

If you're using a laptop, some components mentioned earlier are not required. For example, a touchpad does not use a ball, laser, or LED to control movement; it uses your finger on the touchpad. Other parts include a ball for trackball mice, extra buttons on the thumb side of the mouse, and nubs used with laptop mice.

Because a laptop is designed for portability, almost all laptops today use a touchpad as the mouse, and some Lenovo laptops still use a TrackPoint . Also, all laptop computers can have a USB corded or wireless mouse attached to them. The picture shows a touchpad found below a laptop keyboard.

Smartphones and tablets use a touch screen as their primary input device, and therefore your finger is the mouse on these devices. With most tablets, you can also connect a computer mouse and use it on the tablet.

By default, a computer mouse is set up to be used with your right hand. However, if you're left-handed, it can be set up to be used with your left hand.

• How to change the left and right mouse buttons.

Although a mouse can be set up for your left hand, some mice are molded for right-hand users and may feel uncomfortable with your left hand.

Where should I place my fingers on the mouse?

The following image shows the correct finger placement, with your index finger on the left button, middle finger on the right button, and ring and pinky fingers resting on the side. The thumb controls any buttons on the left side of the mouse, if your mouse has them. If you have a left-handed mouse, the hand placement is opposite.

The following page explains the mouse basics, how it's held, how to connect it, and how it's used on the computer. Included on the page are interactive examples that help with practicing with the different mouse features.

• How to use a computer mouse.

To change the batteries in your mouse, you slide back the cover on the bottom, switch out the old batteries, and then replace the cover.

Mouse vs. mice or mouses

When describing one ( singular ), refer to a computer mouse as a "mouse." When describing two or more ( plural ), refer to them as "mice" (preferred), or "mouses."

To help prevent confusion, some companies and writers avoid using the plural form of a mouse by referring to multiple mice as "mouse devices."

No. Some believe that mouse is short for "manually-operated user-select equipment." However, when Douglas Engelbart helped invent the mouse, he called it a mouse because the device resembled the rodent.

Related information

• How to connect and install a computer mouse.
• Mouse is not detected or working in Windows.
• Why is my laptop mouse touchpad not working?
• Do I need a mouse pad?
• Top 10 computer mouse tips everyone should know.
• Computer mouse manufacturers.
• Computer mouse and other hardware tips.

Click , Cursor , Double-click , Hardware terms , Input device , IntelliMouse , J-Mouse , Microsoft , Mouse pad , Mouse potato , Mouse terms , Peripheral , Pointing device , Right-click , Serial mouse , Touchpad , Trackball , Wheel mouse

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Mouse Tutorial  - Mouse Tutorial

Mouse tutorial  -, mouse tutorial, mouse tutorial mouse tutorial.

Mouse Tutorial: Mouse Tutorial

Lesson 1: mouse tutorial, mouse tutorial.

A mouse is a handheld device that lets you point to objects on the screen, click them, and move them. Take a look at the diagram below to learn the different parts of a typical mouse.

To scroll through this lesson, you can use your keyboard's  down arrow key or your mouse's scroll wheel .

Holding the mouse

There is a proper technique for holding the mouse, allowing you to make use of all its features while also feeling comfortable. Follow the directions below and learn how!

• Place your thumb on the desk or the tabletop on the left side of the mouse.
• Your index finger (pointer) should rest on the left button of the mouse.
• Place the middle finger on the right button of the mouse.
• Your ring finger and little finger (pinkie) should rest on the right side of the mouse.
• Your palm should cup the end of the mouse gently.
• The base of your wrist should rest on the mouse pad or the desktop.

Using the mouse

For better or worse, most computer programs depend upon the mouse. The activities below will help you to practice the various tasks you can perform with a mouse.

Let's start off with clicking . When you click, you're interacting with the computer, telling it what to do. In order to click, press and release the left mouse button with your index finger.

Try it now by clicking on the button below!

In many instances, when you place the cursor over an icon, it will change its appearance. This is called a rollover effect. It might mean that you can interact with the icon, or maybe it's just highlighting where you cursor currently is.

Hover your cursor over the icons below to see some different rollover effects.

Double clicking

A double click is when you quickly click the mouse button twice. This can be used to open folders, files, or start programs on your desktop.

Practice double clicking in the activity below.

Drag and drop

You may sometimes need to drag and drop icons to move them around. This can be used to place files in new folders, delete them, and more.

Practice your drag and drop skills by constructing the robot below!

Now let's try dragging and dropping things in a more practical manner. To tidy up your desktop below, drag and drop the files into their appropriate folders.

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What Is a Computer Mouse?

A computer mouse is an input device to control on-screen objects

• Emporia State University

• Western Governors University

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In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Physical Description
• More Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

The mouse, sometimes called a pointer , is a hand-operated input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen.

Whether it uses a laser or ball, or the mouse is wired or wireless , a movement detected from the mouse sends instructions to the computer to move the cursor on the screen to interact with files , windows, and other software elements.

Even though the mouse is a peripheral device that sits outside the main computer housing , it's an essential piece of computer hardware in most systems, at least non-touch ones.

Mouse Physical Description

Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes, but are all designed to fit either the left or right hand, and be used on a flat surface.

The standard mouse has two buttons toward the front (to left-click and right-click ) and a scroll wheel in the center (to quickly move the screen up and down). However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from one to several more buttons to provide a wide variety of other functions (like the 12-button  Razer Naga Chroma MMO gaming mouse ).

While older mice use a small ball on the bottom to control the cursor, newer ones use a laser. Some computer mice instead have a large ball on the top so that instead of moving the mouse across a surface to interact with the computer, the user keeps the mouse stationary and instead moves the ball with a finger. The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse.

There are also mice made for special uses, such as travel mice, which are smaller than a typical mouse and often have a retractable cord. Another type is the ergonomic mouse that has a very different shape than a standard mouse to help prevent hand strain.

As you can see, mice come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors:

No matter what the type, all mice communicate with the computer either wirelessly or via a physical, wired connection.

If wireless, the mouse uses either RF communication or Bluetooth . An RF-based wireless mouse will require a receiver that will physically connect to the computer. A Bluetooth wireless mouse connects via the computer's Bluetooth hardware. See How to Install a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for a short look at how setup works.

If wired, mice connect to the computer via USB using a Type-A connector . Older mice connect via PS/2 ports. Either way, it's usually a direct connection to the motherboard .

Drivers for a Computer Mouse

Like any piece of hardware, a computer mouse works with a computer only if the proper device driver is installed. A basic mouse will work right out of the box because the operating system likely already has the driver ready for installation, but special software is needed for a more advanced mouse that has more functions.

The advanced mouse might work just fine as a regular mouse, but it's likely that the extra buttons won't function until the right driver is installed.

The best way to install a missing mouse driver is through the manufacturer's website. Logitech and Microsoft are the most popular manufacturers of mice, but you'll see them from other hardware makers as well. See How to Update Drivers in Windows for instructions on manually installing these types of drivers in Windows.

However, one of the easiest ways to install drivers is to use a free driver updater tool . If you go this route, just be sure the mouse is plugged in when you start the driver scan.

Some drivers can be downloaded through Windows Update , so that's another option if you still can't seem to find the right one.

Basic options for controlling the mouse can be configured in Windows through Control Panel . Search for the Mouse Control Panel applet , or use the control mouse  Run command , to open a set of options that let you swap the mouse buttons, change the mouse cursor , change the double-click speed, display pointer trails, hide the pointer when typing, adjust the pointer speed , and more.

More Information on the Computer Mouse

A mouse is supported only on devices that have a graphical user interface. This is why you must use your keyboard when working with text-only tools, like many programs that run from a disc before the operating system starts— these bootable antivirus programs are one example.

While laptops, touch-screen phones/tablets, and other similar devices don't require a mouse, they all use the same concept to communicate with the device. That is, a stylus, trackpad, or your own finger is used in place of the traditional computer mouse.

However, most of those devices support using a mouse as an optional attachment if you'd prefer to use one anyway. When you do that, you sometimes have the option to turn off the built-in mouse so you can use the external one only—e.g., you can disable the touchpad in Windows 11 .

Some computer mice power down after a certain period of inactivity to save on battery life, while others that require a lot of power are wired-only to favor performance over the convenience of being wireless.

The mouse was originally referred to as an "X-Y position indicator for a display system" and was nicknamed a "mouse" because of the tail-like cord that came out the end of it. It was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964.

Prior to the invention of the mouse, computer users had to enter text-based commands to do even the simplest of tasks, like moving through directories and opening files/folders.

DPI is like a mouse's sensitivity. At higher DPIs, the mouse is more sensitive and will move your cursor further on your screen than lower DPI mice over the same physical distance. You can change your mouse sensitivity in a few quick steps.

CPI and DPI are used interchangeably in the mice world, though they have slightly different technical definitions. CPI and DPI will refer to the same value when buying or using a mouse.

A mouse's polling rate is the number of times per second a mouse reports its position to your computer.

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Mouse Facts: Habits, Habitat & Types of Mice

A mouse is a small rodent with a pointed nose, furry round body, large ears and a long, often hairless, tail. There are hundreds of types of mice, divided into subfamilies of either Old World or New World species. Common varieties include deer mouse, house mouse, field mouse, wood mouse, dormouse, spiny mouse and zebra mouse. 

Though some people talk about mice and rats as if they were the same thing, they are actually different types of animals in the rodent family. Rats generally are larger than mice, and they can be bald, scaly and cylinder-shaped.

Mice come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Some common mice colors are white, brown and grey. Some are very tiny and others are around the size of a baked potato. 

Mice typically grow from 1 to 7 inches (2.54 to 18 centimeters) in length and weigh between 0.5 and 1 ounce (.23 to .028 kilograms). The African pygmy is the smallest known mouse on the planet. It measures 1.2 - 3.1 inches (3.04 to 7.874 cm) and can weigh less than .35 ounces (.01 kg). These measurements do not include tail length. Some mice have tails that are as long as their bodies.

Where do mice live?

Mice are hardy creatures that are found in nearly every country and type of terrain. They can live in forests, grasslands and manmade structures easily. Mice typically make a burrow underground if they live out in the wild. Their burrow helps protect them from predators. Their natural predators are cats, birds, wild dogs and foxes.

Mice are nocturnal, meaning they like to sleep during the day. This is why pet mice or house mice can be heard playing or foraging during the night. Most wild mice are timid toward humans and other animals, but they are very social with other mice. Domestic mice are very friendly toward humans and can make good pets for older children and adults.

According to the  RSPCA , mice are very territorial. Even domestic mice like to have a large area that they can claim as their own.

What do mice eat?

If you believe what you see in cartoons, you would think that mice eat cheese. Actually, they like to eat fruits, seeds and grains. They are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and meat, and the common house mice will eat just about anything it can find. In fact, if food is scarce, mice will even eat each other.

Mice have voracious appetites. They eat around 15 to 20 times per day, so they build their homes nearby places that have readily accessible food sources.

When homes are infested with mice, humans will often find chewed up wires, books, papers and insulation around their home. Mice aren't eating these items, they are chewing them into pieces that they can use to make their nests. This is because mice nests are made from whatever the female mouse can find.

At around 4 to seven weeks old, a female mouse will mate and have young. She will carry her young for 19 to 21 days and give birth to four to a dozen babies, according to the  University of Florida . Mice can have a new litter of babies every three weeks. 

Mice have unusual names. Females are does, males are bucks and babies are called pinkies because of their bright pink color. Baby mice are also called pups.

Pet mice can live up to six years, while wild mice usually only live around 1 to 2.5 years.

Classification/taxonomy

According to the  Integrated Taxonomic Information System  (ITIS), the taxonomy of mice is:

• Kingdom : Animalia
• Phylum : Chordata
• Class : Mammalia
• Order : Rodentia
• Suborder : Myomorpha
• Family : Muridae
• Subfamilies : Murinae (Old World rats and mice), Sigmodontinae (New World rats and mice)
• Genera & species : Hundreds, including  Mus musculus  (house mouse),  Apodemus flavicollis  (yellow-necked field mouse),  Apodemus sylvaticus  (wood mouse),  Peromyscus maniculatus  (deer mouse),  Micromys minutus  (Eurasian harvest mouse) and  Muscardinus avellanarius  (hazel dormouse)

Conservation status: 

Most mice have healthy populations, though there are a few species that are endangered, such as the Alabama beach mouse. Massive hurricanes in past years have nearly wiped out their natural habitat.  New Mexico's jumping mouse  is also endangered due to wildfires, drought and other threats.

Other facts

Mice are much like humans in how their bodies and minds work. This is why laboratories use  mice as test subjects  for medicines and other items that may be used on humans. Nearly all modern medicine is tested on mice before they go to human medical trials.

Mice are tough little creatures when they have their minds set on a crunchy scorpion snack. They can  withstand multiple scorpion bites . 

Mice can feel temperature changes and alterations in ground terrain through their whiskers. 

While communicating with each other, mice make ultrasonic as well as regular sounds.

Most mice are very good jumpers. They can jump nearly 18 inches (46 cm) in the air. They also are talented climbers and swimmers.

A mouse's heart can beat  632 beats per minute . A human heart only beats 60 to 100 beats per minute.

A wood mouse will shed its tail if the tail is caught by a predator.

Nina Sen contributed to this article.

Other resources:

• Humane Society of the United States - Mouse
• BBC Nature - Mouse
• Orkin- Mouse Facts

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August 18, 2009

The Origin of the Computer Mouse

Now an endangered species, it was crucial to the development of personal computing and the Internet

By Larry Greenemeier

A little more than 40 years ago Douglas Engelbart introduced his "X–Y position indicator for a display system"—more commonly known today as the computer mouse—during a 90-minute presentation on a "computer-based, interactive, multiconsole display system" at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in Menlo Park, Calif. This event—attended by some 1,000 computer professionals—would later be called by many the "mother of all demos" and would introduce a number of computing capabilities largely taken for granted today: the mouse, hypertext, object addressing and dynamic file linking.

Engelbart, now 84, filed the patent in 1967 but had to wait three years for the U.S. to acknowledge his technology, which provided the tool needed to navigate graphics-filled computer screens with a simple motion of the hand rather than by wading through screens filled with green-tinted text using keys or a light pencil pressed up against a computer monitor. "I don't know why we call it a mouse," he said during the demo. "It started that way, and we never did change it."

The original mouse , housed in a wooden box twice as high as today's mice and with three buttons on top, moved with the help of two wheels on its underside rather than a rubber trackball. The wheels—one for the horizontal and another for the vertical—sat at right angles. When the mouse was moved, the vertical wheel rolled along the surface while the horizontal wheel slid sideways. Mice grew more ergonomic over time and have adopted trackballs, lasers and LEDs, but the premise is the same—the computer records both the distance and speed at which the mouse travels and turns that information into binary code that it can understand and plot on a display screen.

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Engelbart originally invented the mouse as a way to navigate his oNLine System (NLS) , a precursor of the Internet that allowed computer users to share information stored on their computers. NLS, which Engelbart developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA—now DARPA), was also the first system to successfully use hypertext to link files (making information available through a click of the mouse).

Because his patent for the mouse expired before it became widely used with personal computers in the mid-1980s, Engelbart garnered neither widespread recognition nor royalties for his invention . Mouse technology found its way from Engelbart's lab to the Xerox Corp.'s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1971, when Bill English , a computer engineer who had worked for Engelbart at SRI, joined PARC. Xerox was the first to sell a computer system that came with a mouse—the 8010 Star Information System in 1981, but the term "mouse" wouldn't become a part of the modern lexicon until Apple made it standard equipment with its original Macintosh, which debuted in 1984. The emergence of the Microsoft Windows operating system and Web browsers hastened the mouse's pervasiveness throughout the 1990s and into the first decade of the 21st century.

Engelbart's own work at SRI came to an end in 1989, when McDonnell Douglas Corp. (his ultimate employer there after his division at SRI had changed owners a few times) shut down his lab. That year, Engelbart formed the Bootstrap Institute (now known as the Doug Engelbart Institute ) , a consulting firm in Menlo Park through which he still encourages researchers to share findings and build on one another's achievements.

Logitech claims to have manufactured one billion mice, which "speaks volumes for the success of this pointing device and the dominance of the graphical user interface of which it is an integral part," Gartner Blog Network analyst Steve Prentice blogged in December . Still, he adds, mice don't factor into a future where touch-screen smart phones, touch-pad laptops and video game controllers with embedded accelerometers (such as those shipped with Nintendo's Wii) rule the day. His prediction: the mouse is an endangered species with less than five years before it joins the ranks of the green screen, punch cards and other computer technologies now honorably retired to technology museums after years of faithful service on desktops everywhere.

THE COMPUTER MOUSE

TITLE: NOTE OF LESSON ON COMPUTER STUDIES/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SUBJECT: COMPUTER STUDIES

THEME: COMPUTER APPLICATION

TERM: SECOND TERM

WEEK: WEEK 9

CLASS: PRIMARY 5

AGE OFSTUDENTS:

CLASS COMPOSITION: Slow and fast learners.

DURATION: 45 MINUTES

TOPIC: THE COMPUTER MOUSE

Sub –Topics:

ENABLE OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, Pupils should be able to:

• Identify different parts of the mouse.

TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

• Explanatory posters/pictures
• Explanatory Video

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHOD

• Explanation
• Questions and Answers

REFERENCE MATERIALS

• Universal Basic Education Curriculum.
• NERDC Basic Education Curriculum for primary schools.
• Lagos State Scheme of work
• Unified Schemes of Work Primary Schools for Computer Studies (MIDDLE BASIC)
• Internet Materials.
• Edudelight Computer Studies for Primary Schools.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR/ PREVIOUS LESSON : The students are familiar with computer keyboard.

WORD FILE: functions,   electronic .                  

                                        CONTENT

COMPUTER MOUSE

A computer mouse is a hand-operated electronic device that is used to interact with items on your computer screen. It is used to point, click and drag items displayed on the monitor screen.

Mouse is used to controls and direct the cursor on the computer screen by moving it along a flat surface to perform one or more function on the computer screen. It is called a mouse because it has the same size and look of a real mouse. It is also used to move, open, change, delete object and perform other actions by pointing and clicking on the object. The mouse also have button that is used to control computer functions.

TYPE OF MOUSE

Mouse are of different types. These are:

• Mechanical mouse: it is has a rubber or metal ball on its bottom to roll the mouse in any direction.  These mouse are mechanical mouse it have  sensors in it to detect the direction in which the ball is moving and moves the pointer on the screen in the same direction. The mouse is always placed on a mouse pad or smooth surface for easy movement.
• Wireless mouse: it uses Bluetooth or infrared (IR) technology to send data through the air to the receiver. Signals are sent through a chips that has to be inserted into the USB port of the computer.
• Optical mouse: it uses laser to detect mouse movement. It responds more quickly and precisely than the mechanical and optomechanical mouse. It does not have any mechanical moving parts and does not need a mouse pad to move it around.
• Opt mechanical mouse: it look like the mechanical mouse but it uses optical sensors to detect the motion of the ball and it is placed on a mouse pad for easy movement.
• Laser mouse: it uses laser as the source of light emitter and light detector. It uses laser as a source of light emitter and it has a precise scanning of mouse movement. Laser mouse is a new generation mouse.

                              BASIC PARTS OF A MOUSE

• The two buttons are called primary button (the left button) and secondary button (the right button).
• The primary button is the most often used button.
• Modern day mouse have a scroll wheel between the buttons to scroll through documents and webpages more easily.
• The scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button on some mouse.
• Some advance mouse have additional button to perform some functions.
• The mouse pad is a flat surface for placing and moving a computer mouse.

USING YOUR MOUSE

A mouse is used to point, click and drag items displayed on the monitor screen. Most mouse actions includes combining pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons.  The four basic ways to use the mouse buttons are single clicking or clicking, double clicking, right clicking, and dragging.

Pointing occurs when we move the mouse to an item on the screen such that the pointer appears to be touching the item. When the pointers points an item on the screen, a small box describing the item often appears. The pointer symbol can change depending on what the pointer points to, like when it points to a link in the web browser, the pointer changes from an arrow to a hand with a pointing finger.

SINGLE – CLICKING

Clicking is done to select or mark an item or open a menu. Clicking can be called single clicking or left clicking.

The following are steps taking when clicking an item on the monitor.

• Use your mouse and move the pointer towards the item on the screen.
• Then press and release the primary button (left button) at once.

Double –clicking

Double clicking is mostly used to open items on the desktop. Like a program or folder can be open from the desktop by double clicking.

The following are steps taking when double clicking an item on the monitor.

• Click the item twice quickly.
• If you do not quickly click it twice, the computer might interpret the click as two individual clicks.

RIGHT CLICKING

Right clicking an item usually displays a list of things that the user can do with the item. For example, when you click on my document icon on the desktop, you will see a menu with options like open, explore, search, copy, paste, etc.

The following are steps taking when right clicking an item on the monitor.

• Then you press and release the secondary button (the right button).

Items or objects on the screen can be moved by dragging them. Ion the screen.t is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and to move windows and icons around

The following are steps taking when dragging an items or objects on the monitor.

• Press and hold the primary button
• without releasing the button move the object to a new location and the
•  Release the primary button.

Dragging can also be called dragging and dropping.

Scrolling does not change the layout of the text or pictures but only moves the users view across the screen.

A scroll wheel or the mouse wheel is used to scroll through text, images or videos across the display screen either vertically or horizontally.

PRESENTATION

• The Teacher revises the previous lesson ( APPLICATION OF COMPUTER KEYBOARD III ).
• The Teacher introduces the topic: THE COMPUTER MOUSE.
• She/he explains the mouse.
• Teacher leads pupils to mention different type of mouse.  

TEACHERS ACTIVITIES: Teacher explain mouse and mention different type of mouse and functions.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES : student were ask to mention different type of mouse and functions.

EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES

• Define mouse.
• Mention different type of mouse and functions.

CONCLUSION: the teacher sum up the lesson.

PREVIOUS LESSON: REASONS FOR TAKING CARE OF COMPUTER

NEXT LESSON: APPLICATION OF MOUSE

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Very precise lesson plan

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Home » News & Events » Digital Learning » Tech Tips: Computer Basics 101: The mouse

Tech Tips: Computer Basics 101: The mouse

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian

Using a mouse seems simple, but did you know there are shortcuts built into many computer mice? In this post, you’ll discover the different parts of the mouse, how to use the mouse, and what the mouse can do.

Anatomy of a computer mouse

What do the buttons do? Let’s find out!

Left click button

This is the most used button on the mouse. It is considered the “action” button, and is what you will use to click on most things.

Right click button

This button is used to gain context or extra information. When you right-click on something, you will usually get a menu or list of actions to choose from.

Scroll wheel & middle button

The scroll wheel is the bump between the left and right mouse buttons. You can use your index finger to roll it forwards or backwards.

• When you are browsing the internet or reading a word document or PDF, the scroll wheel will move the page up or down, so that you can read more of the page.
• When you use it on a map or full-screen image it will zoom in or out.
• The scroll wheel also acts as a third button if you press directly down without scrolling, which usually activates a button-free type of scrolling that reacts to the direction you move the cursor on the screen.

The laser on the bottom of the mouse is what lets it “see” where it is, which it can then communicate to the computer screen. If the laser doesn’t have a smooth, matte (non-shiny) surface to track over, it can prevent the mouse from working properly.

While the cursor is not a physical part of the mouse, it is still a very important part of the mouse’s anatomy. The cursor is the little arrow, hand, or other small shape that you control on the computer screen when using the mouse.

It usually looks like an arrow or a hand with a finger pointing, but some programs may have custom shapes. If the cursor is moving too fast or slow for you, you can adjust the sensitivity in your computer’s Control Panel or Settings.

How to hold the mouse

Just like with any other tool, a better grip will help you control the mouse more precisely. See the example pictured here and follow the steps below:

• Start by placing your hand over the mouse so that the center of your palm is hovering over the center of the mouse.
• Now place your pointer finger on the left button and your middle finger on the right button. You should be able to rest your fingers lightly on the buttons without actually clicking them.
• Use your thumb on the left side of the mouse and your ring and pinky fingers on the right side of the mouse to grip. If you were to lift the mouse up off the desk, your thumb, ring finger, and pinky finger would be bearing all the weight.

Types of actions with a mouse

How do you use the mouse to navigate on your screen? Here’s what a mouse can do:

A click is a single, quick press of the left mouse button. It is used to do things like open a hyperlink, select a menu option, place your cursor in word processing, select a form to fill, or activate a program from the start menu.

Double click

A double click is two quick presses of the left mouse button in a row. It is similar to the single click in that it is often used to do an action. As a general rule of thumb, if a single click did not open the program you wanted to use, try a double click instead.

Double-clicking also is useful in word processing, because double-clicking the middle of a word will highlight the entire word (which can be useful if you want to copy the text using a keyboard shortcut !)

Triple click

A triple click is three quick presses of the left mouse button in a row. And like the click and double click, a triple click is typically used to perform an action.

In most word processing programs (like Microsoft Word) and web browsers (including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and more), triple-clicking within a section of text will select the entire line or paragraph of text.

Click & drag

Clicking and dragging is when you use the left mouse button to click and then hold (instead of releasing the button right away) on something like a file or some text. You can then drag the file to a new location (like from your desktop to the recycle bin, or from one folder to another folder).

When you click and drag on text, you can highlight a section and then use keyboard shortcuts to copy it for use elsewhere!

Right click

The right-click is a single, quick press of the right mouse button. It is a context-based button and is usually used to give a menu of options for whatever your cursor was touching at the time. If you are having trouble opening a program, try right-clicking the icon, then using a regular left click to select “open” on the menu.

To dismiss a right-click menu (if it is in the way of text you want to read, for instance) do a regular left-click in any blank space that is not the menu area.

Fun fact:  Games like Solitaire and Minesweeper (pre-installed on Windows computers since 1990 and 1992 respectively) were intended to help new users become comfortable with the graphical interface, the mouse, and its abilities.  

• Solitaire teaches the click and drag and double-click functions (dragging a card to a stack and double-clicking to send a card automatically to a stack).  
• Minesweeper teaches single clicks and precise positioning of the cursor (to clear an area of unknown boxes), as well as right-clicking (in order to flag possible mines!). If you find yourself struggling to use the mouse sometimes, taking time to play these games will help you master the tool.

You can use keyboard shortcuts in tandem with the mouse to quickly and confidently navigate the computer. Try these copy, cut, and paste shortcuts »

Have a tech question?

Amy is a creative technology librarian who always looks for ways to create those “ah-ha!” moments for digital learners. She enjoys writing, gadgets, and baking.

Coding & Robotics

Movie making, technology tips, digital activities, practice mouse skills with build a character activities.

Let’s stroll down memory lane to our childhoods, where dressing up dolls or diving into those sticker/magnetic books was the highlight of our imaginative play. Now, let’s give it a modern twist and make it digital, adding a dash of tech-savvy fun to the mix. Enter Build a Character, the perfect to infuse creativity into my students’ mouse skills practice.

Who would’ve thought that the nostalgic joy of mixing and matching outfits could seamlessly translate into a lesson plan that covers copying and pasting, clicking and dragging, and mastering the art of ordering images? Well, that’s the magic of Build a Character!

Today, I’m excited to share these activities that will spread a lot of creativity throughout your classroom and help your students become more proficient using the mouse and keyboard.

Why Are Mouse Skills Important?

Before I jump into the Build Character activities, let’s chat about something that might seem a bit old-school, but is still as crucial as ever, which is mouse skills. I know, it feels like everything nowadays is touch-this and voice-command-that. We’re living in a world dominated by touchscreens and styluses, and the good ol’ computer mouse might seem like a relic from a bygone era.

Our little learners might be more accustomed to tapping screens than maneuvering a mouse, but mastering the mouse unlocks a wealth of tech skills.

Sure, it’s not the easiest skill for our younger students to pick up, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. The smoother your students navigate that little cursor across the screen, the more effortlessly they can glide through various software and online tools. The better they are with a mouse, the more confidence they will have in exploring the technology that awaits them.

The more practice we can give our students, the stronger their fine motor skills with hand-eye coordination become. Remember that it will be a slow process, but practice makes progress no matter what!

Crafting the Magic: Behind the Scenes of Build a Character

So, when I set out to create the Build a Character activities for my students, I had an idea for the skills I wanted to target. Mouse skills were a no-brainer, but I wanted it to be more than just a click here and a drag there. I wanted it to be a digital space for creativity and learning. The question was, how do I get them to practice copying, pasting, dragging, resizing images, and even playing conductor with the order of things?

And then, it hit me. . . they’ll literally build a character. It all started with the Build a Character Monster Edition for the spooktacular month of October. I conjured up images of animated monster bodies, a wild array of eyes, horns/ears, arms, and legs. Everything a monstrous masterpiece needed. I even threw in a mix of accessories for dressing up their creations and let them pick the background that spoke to their monster-making souls.

Here’s the key. I handed over the reins of creativity to my students. Total control. No holding back. They became the creators to build either the cutest or the creepiest characters. Once their digital masterpieces were complete, I sent them on a quest to put their characters into words. What’s their name? What makes them tick? Any quirky likes or dislikes? And the golden question: any special powers?

Let me tell you, some of the most incredible writing pieces have come out of these Build a Character adventures. My kids absolutely love them, and honestly, so do I. It’s the kind of magic that happens when learning meets joy!

What Happened Next for Build A Character?

Build a Monster for October was a hit! Witnessing the excitement as my students eagerly snatched up computers and mice for center time made this teacher’s heart ecstatic. It got me thinking, though, was it a one-time wonder, or could I replicate this magic?

So, I began working away on the next adventure in our Build a Character series for November, which was building scarecrows ! I wanted this one to have more options for creativity while still practicing those important mouse skills. So, I compiled an array of scarecrow bodies, arms, legs, and faces. I threw in a cornucopia of colored bandanas, hats, and shoes because scarecrows can be stylin’ too, you know? To amp up the fall vibes, I added in all sorts of decor options: pumpkins, pick-up trucks, and fall leaves.

I let my students dive into their scarecrow scenes with the same gusto as they did with the monsters. The joyous clicks of mice echoed through the room as they meticulously built their autumn-inspired masterpieces.

As they set to work, not only did they craft scarecrows that could rival any harvest festival centerpiece, but they also rapidly typed life into their creations. Names were given, personalities were described, and the story of each scarecrow unfolded on their digital writing slides.

Here’s the part that made my heart do a little happy dance. When they finished, they didn’t want to stop. Nope, not at all. They were asking, “Can we make more characters?” Can you believe it? In November, they were hungry for more mouse skill practice!

As They Say, ‘The Rest Is History’

As December rolls in, you know the drill. It’s a rollercoaster ride where one day feels like a cozy winter breeze, and the next, it’s as if we’ve stepped back into the whirlwind of the first day of school.

Now, here’s where the story takes a sweet twist. I couldn’t let this creative magic just fizzle out, so I’ve been brewing up more of these Build a Character resources for not only my students but yours too!

Teaching in December is a whole different beast. So, how do we keep the kiddos engaged and willing to dive into the sea of December tasks? Enter the next chapter in the Build a Character series, the Gingerbread characters ! Your students forget the chaos around them as they immerse themselves in creating gingerbread characters. They won’t even realize they’re honing those essential mouse skills while they’re at it.

Your students get to play architect to their gingerbread dreams. Bodies, faces, arms, legs—the whole gingerbread crew is theirs to choose. We can’t forget the accessories! Buttons, bows, hats, and clothes because gingerbread characters deserve to be just as snazzy as we are during the holiday season. To add some storytelling magic, there are festive decor options to help them weave tales around their creations.

At the time of writing this, we are just barely into January. But don’t worry! I have more Build a Character activities planned.

To make things easily accessible for you, I have created a Build a Character Bundle that is going to continue to grow as I create new mouse practice activities!

How to Use the Mouse Skills Bundle

Teacher resources and steps to follow.

I’ve packed each Build a Character activity with everything you need. Each activity starts in a downloadable a PDF with a link to the Google Slides activity. There are instructions on how you can share and assign the activity with your students. I’ve also included step-by-step teacher instructions on how to integrate these slides into your classroom routine.

Inside each Google Slides activity, you’ll find a digital playground for your students with moveable images to construct their characters, background slides to set the stage for their imaginative tales, and writing slides where their characters come to life in words. The best part? You get to be the director. Want to keep all the slides or remove some? It’s completely up to you! You can customize the activity to meet the needs of your classroom and your students.

Now, let’s talk logistics because we all know digital chaos is the last thing we need. After reviewing and customizing the slides, I make a copy and upload it onto Google Classroom. A quick check of the settings ensures each kiddo gets their exclusive copy. Trust me, it’s the secret to avoiding that dreaded moment where 15 kiddos are all trying to work on the same slide! If you don’t use Google Classroom, you can also assign to students using a share link that will have them make their own copy of the activity.

How Students Complete a Mouse Skills Activity

Once the groundwork is laid, it’s showtime! For the first interactions with these mouse practice activities, it’s all about modeling, step-by-step guidance, and a bit of patience as your students learn to navigate Google Classroom. But oh, the joy when they get those slides open!

Before I let them begin, I always review the activity, where to find the different elements, and break down the steps they will use. These initial slides? Absolute lifesavers! Your students can revisit whenever they need a nudge or a visual reminder.

The very first slide sets the stage, giving them a sneak peek of the masterpiece they’re about to create. Step-by-step instructions are also provided. I then walk them through each targeted mouse skill slide:

• How to Click and Drag with a Mouse
• How to Copy and Paste
• How to Click and Drag with a Trackpad
• How to Copy and Paste with a Trackpad
• How to Copy and Paste with keyboard shortcuts
• Computer Shortcuts for Copy, Paste, Duplicate, Undo
• Design Tips for Order of Images, Duplicating, and Resizing

Once we review these slides, I give them the green light to release their imaginations! From choosing bodies and pieces to mastering the art of copying, pasting, dragging, and dropping, being able to watch them bring their characters to life while practicing essential mouse skills is rewarding.

When the characters are crafted and the stories are written, I print them out or hit that share button for a digital showcase to families. The look of pride on their faces says it all. Despite being young, they are able to use their new mouse skills to digitally create something they are proud of.

Let Creativity and Mouse Skills Soar with Build a Character

The Build a Character Bundle opens a door to a universe where learning, creativity, and technology come to life in our classrooms. As educators, our goal is to make lessons unforgettable and effective. From the infectious laughter of mouse-clicking skill practice to the moment that students proudly share their digital creations with families, these activities combine joy and learning.

Interested in more activities to also help your students with their mouse skills? Make sure to check out Mouse Practice Mastery: Essential Tips for Students , where you will find more engaging activities to help with dragging and dropping, copying and pasting, and navigating a mouse in general!

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite technology Pinterest board for when you need a creative outlet for your students while practicing mouse skills!

• Read more about: Digital Activities , Mouse Practice , STEM , Technology Skills

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