Binary Basics

information technology
information technology
Created by
Let's Talk Science National Office
Activity Language
English
Grade
Grades 4-6,  Grades 7-8
Time Needed for Activity
1-2 hours
Subjects
Information Technology/Computer Science
Good for Virtual Delivery
No Consumables
No/Low materials

Welcome to the science behind computer communication! Learners will explore the basics of binary, learn how to count in binary and how binary is used to encode different kinds of information in computers, through a variety of activities.

Welcome to the science behind computer communication! The objectives of this workshop are:

  • To understand the basics of why and how binary is used by computers
  • To learn how binary numbers work
  • To practice encoding and decoding information in different formats

What You Need

Physical Requirements:

You will need a space that will allow you to comfortably lead/demonstrate activities. Prior to hosting the session, ensure you have all supplies necessary for the activities. This can include access to a computer with stable internet connection.

It can be facilitated in-person or virtually. This activity works best with a partner who can monitor the chat for questions if conducted virtually.

Pre-Activity Prep:

  • Before your Let’s Talk Science visit, you will want to make sure you gather materials (per learner) for each activity you plan to lead.
  • PowerPoint review: Thoroughly review the accompanying PowerPoint as it will complement the activity and will help with the timing and flow of the event.

Guide:

PowerPoint:

Activity templates:

Safety Notes

Please refer to the Live Virtual Outreach guide for up-to-date safety guidelines.

What To Do

Activities:

  • Download the PowerPoint presentation for full speaker notes and review contents in advance.
  • Introduce the concept of how to count in binary and how binary is used to encode different kinds of information in computers.
  • Facilitate Activity 1:
    • Hand out printed ”Magic” cards activity template.
    • Learners explore how the cards work and have some time to experiment and play.
  • Facilitate Activity 2:
    • Handout Unicode activity template.
    • Learners use Unicode to solve and decode messages.
    • Ask the educator the best way to split learners into teams.
  • Facilitate Activity 3:
    • Option one: Digital escape room: Hand out escape room activity template and welcome learners to access the digital escape room to solve problems to escape.
    • Option two: Hand out activity "Binary Hidden Pictures (Unplugged)" where learners will solve hidden pictures through binary (to be used when learners do not have access to technical devices to complete the digital escape room).
  • Facilitate a brief discussion on the importance of binary and how it impacts how all computers operate and discuss possible careers in computer science.
  • Answer questions that the participants may have.

Wrap-Up:

Ask learners:

  • What was your favourite activity today?
  • Do you think binary is fun?
  • Do you have any questions for me?

Discuss possible careers related to the topics covered and what students would need to do (schooling, experience, etc.) to get into those careers.

  • If you are interested in binary or computer science, there are a lot of different jobs that might be interesting to you. For example:
    • Programmer - can work on apps, games, data processing, etc. Lots of problem-solving and using logic. Often requires a combination of a computer science degree and experience.
    • IT (Information Technology) - keep computers running, can include the hardware and software side of things. Requires a degree or diploma in computer science, information science or a related field.
    • Cyber security - keep systems safe from hackers and viruses. A background in computer science is helpful, but there are some particular certifications and college-level programs in Canada you can take to start your career.
    • QA (Quality Assurance) - (often in games) cause problems on purpose (look for bugs) to help programmers build better programs. Patience, creativity, and attention to detail is important. Often an entry-level job, so you don’t need as many qualifications. A degree in computer programming, software development, video game design, or graphic design can help.
    • Web developer - much of what we see and use online. Often a combination of design and coding skills needed. Don’t have to have a degree (you can teach yourself, or use online courses), but it can help.
    • User Experience Design - make programs more user friendly, helpful, and appealing. Coding skills not always needed. A bachelor's degree in visual design is a good place to start, and there are also masters-level programs available.

Discovery

Learners will explore some foundational programming concepts and develop computational thinking skills through several screen-free (unplugged) activities.

Digital literacy, including binary, is becoming increasingly more important in a digitally driven world! It's a great way to introduce learners to the concept in an approachable manner. As technology advances, it is more important than ever that people contribute to the digital world. Building computational thinking skills and strengthening knowledge of computational thinking concepts, better prepares learners for the real and the digital world. By asking questions and then adapting to the answers, learners can ask more precise questions to solve the problem.

  • Computer Science 101: A great way to learn about how computers developed, and how programming evolved over time, is this “Crash Course” series on computer science.
    • To skip ahead to learn more specifically about programming languages, start at episode 12, here.
  • Computer programming, especially as a means of communicating to a computer which electrical signals should be off or on (i.e., what binary does in computers), can be traced back to Jacquard looms. Jacquard looms used series of punched cards to automate weaving patterns, and punched cards turned out to be such a simple and effective way of programming that computers used punched cards up until the mid- 1980s.

What's Happening?

Learners will explore some foundational programming concepts and develop computational thinking skills through several screen-free (unplugged) activities.

Why Does It Matter?

Digital literacy, including binary, is becoming increasingly more important in a digitally driven world! It's a great way to introduce learners to the concept in an approachable manner. As technology advances, it is more important than ever that people contribute to the digital world. Building computational thinking skills and strengthening knowledge of computational thinking concepts, better prepares learners for the real and the digital world. By asking questions and then adapting to the answers, learners can ask more precise questions to solve the problem.

Investigate Further

  • Computer Science 101: A great way to learn about how computers developed, and how programming evolved over time, is this “Crash Course” series on computer science.
    • To skip ahead to learn more specifically about programming languages, start at episode 12, here.
  • Computer programming, especially as a means of communicating to a computer which electrical signals should be off or on (i.e., what binary does in computers), can be traced back to Jacquard looms. Jacquard looms used series of punched cards to automate weaving patterns, and punched cards turned out to be such a simple and effective way of programming that computers used punched cards up until the mid- 1980s.

Resources

Binary Basics - Workshop Overview

Binary Basics - PowerPoint Presentation

Binary Basics - Magic Cards Activity Template

Binary Basics - Unicode Activity Template

Binary Basics - Escape Room Activity Template

Binary Basics - Unplugged Hidden Pictures Activity Template

Other resources:

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