Bits and Bytes - Counting in Binary

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

Overview

Introduce students to bits and binary by using cards with dots representing the number value in each bit. This activity fits well as an introduction to a full lesson for standards 6.21 and 6.22.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage

During/Explore/Explain

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

DLCS18.6.21
Identify varying data structures/systems and methods of classification, including decimal and binary.

Vocabulary

data structures
decimal
binary

Knowledge

Students know:

how to recognize a binary number system including bits and bytes.

Skills

Students are able to:

identify how binary can be used for bit representation in pixels.

Understanding

Students understand that:

there are several data structures and methods for classification.

Learning Objectives

The learner should:

Identify bits and bytes

Count using binary

Identify how bits and bytes are used to store data

Activity Details

Walk through the slides drawing reference to how the decimal number system works and how this new number system also uses the idea of placeholders. Decimal has a base unit of 10 while binary has a base unit of 2. Ask for volunteers when prompted in the slides.

Students will be guided by the teacher as they explain how bits show the computer whether or not there is data in that position. Each bit is either on(1) or off (0). On means, there is data in that position.

Starting with the first four bits. 8, 4, 2, 1, give volunteers a card with one of the numbers on it.

Volunteers will flip cards at the instruction of the teacher to demonstrate how bits represent data based on their position in a base two number system.

Example: Teacher will say show me the number 6. The students should have their cards where 1 = on and 0 = off. So the number 6 in binary would look like this: 0110 because the 8 position (the first bit) is off and the 1 position (the last bit) is off. While the 2nd (4) and 3rd (2) bits are on. 4 + 2 = 6.

Walk through the slides to add on more bits until you get a full byte (8 bits)

More volunteers will come up to complete the full byte 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1. Students will then count from one to whatever number you feel is necessary for students to understand how the bits work. We want students to be able to see the pattern involved as the number being counted gets bigger.

You can have them practice representing random numbers from 0 to 255. You can have conversations about the largest number that can be can be represented before requiring a new bit.

Example: The maximum number of 5 bits can represent is 31. In order to get 32, you need to add the 6th bit (32) and the other bits should turn off (0). 32 should look like 100000.

Assessment Strategies

Provide pieces of paper or whiteboards or whatever and call out random numbers and have students write them in binary and show you. Make note of students who may be struggling. If a large set of students are struggling try a different method to communicate the information. You could even shorten the number of bits used by only asking for numbers less than 16. Which would require only 4 bits then slowly build back up one bit at a time.

Give students a set of decimal numbers to convert into binary and consider having them convert binary numbers to decimal numbers. This could be an exit slip and/or Google form so you can easily collect the data in order to address any students who may be struggling with these new concepts and where you may need to refine your instruction.

Variation Tips

Read over this Count Like a Computer Comic and consider using it in your class by having students practice counting or maybe write the number on each finger that corresponds with the bit in that place value. This is a useful tool to reinforce bits in a byte. Be prepared for numbers 4 and 5. It will look as if students are flipping the bird.

Background / Preparation

Review the youtube video with an example of what you can have students do. I would suggest making eight cards so every bit in a byte is represented. I used large teacher made cards to show how to count in binary using bits. Watch the video, it will clarify what the cards should look like as well as how the activity should be carried out.

Practice counting in binary and converting decimal numbers to binary. Review these slides and use them to introduce and guide your instruction.

English (version) Computer Science Unplugged - Part 1 Binary - 2005/Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6vHZ95XDwU

Approved Date

2018-07-25

Owner (Author)

vchiaramonte