Lesson by Maria Cox
Learning Intentions:
- To be able to encode letters into binary.
- To be able to decode binary back to letters.
- To create a binary wristband/necklace.
Step 1: Activity overview for parent, carers and pupils
This is an introduction to binary codes. There is an initial lesson to watch online (approximately seven minutes) and follow up activities. There is also a short video clip to support activity 2 (approximately two minutes).There is a practical and recorded activity that can be completed on or offline.
Step 2: Introduction to the activity and additional information
What is binary number? Binary is a computer language that only uses 2 digits ‘0’ and ‘1’. Each group of binary code represents a ‘byte’ and each binary digit is known as a ‘bit’ and part of a byte is known as a ‘nibble’ or ‘nybble’. To fully understand what binary is, watch this lesson (which is approximately seven minutes long).
Data can be stored and represented in different ways.
Step 3: Tasks to carry out for this activity
Activity 1: Once you have understood what binary is, complete the first activity on the binary brain buster worksheet.
Using the binary decoder, try and decode the message.
Create a binary bracelet with your name initial (bracelet).
Watch the video below (approximately two minutes)
Initially complete practically by using whatever you have in the house – beads, paper, pasta etc. For example: red bead = 1 blue bead = 0 purple bead = space between letter
Complete the bracelet activity on the worksheet
Video binary bracelets/wristband. Click below
Once you have completed the task you can email anything you create (photos, documents, screenshots etc.) directly to your teacher or directly upload it to any of the available places in Step 6.
Step 4: Look over the success criteria for this activity:
Success criteria #1: I can encode letters into binary.
Success criteria #2: I can decode binary back into letters.
Success criteria #3: I can create a binary wristband/necklace.
Step 5: Extension and follow on activities/challenges (optional)
Activity 3 (optional) Complete your own binary code or necklace of your name Use the blank template from the worksheet to create your own code or binary brain buster or use to help create a necklace with your name on.
This video shows making a binary necklace.
Additional online video you may choose to watch
This video shows how exactly binary codes work.
Step 6: Click on the relevant link below if you have any work to upload to your online areas
J2e Google Drive OneDrive Seesaw