Computer Programming- Binary Code
What is Binary Code?
- Binary - A way of representing information using only two options. Computers use a base 2 number system. Sometimes the data is represented by 1s and 0s, but it could be any two opposites like: on/off, up/down, or in/out. Watch the following video to learn more.
Numbers in Binary Code
So, you thought you knew how to count? Well, here is a new way to do it! Did you know that computers use only zero and one? Everything that you see or hear on the computer—words, pictures, numbers, movies and even sound is stored using just those two numbers! Let's learn how to send secret messages to your friends using exactly the same method as a computer.
What do you notice about the number
of dots on the cards?
of dots on the cards?
We can use these cards to make numbers by turning some of them face
down and adding up the dots that are showing.
How can we show the number 6?
The number 21?
The only rule is that a card has to be completely visible, or
completely hidden.
down and adding up the dots that are showing.
How can we show the number 6?
The number 21?
The only rule is that a card has to be completely visible, or
completely hidden.
The Alphabet in Binary Code
When is the letter A not the letter A? Well, computers
don't use the letter A. They use the eight character
binary number 01000001 to represent A.
don't use the letter A. They use the eight character
binary number 01000001 to represent A.
Computers transport, calculate, and translate binary numbers because computer hardware circuits only have two electrical states, on or off.
These two states can be represented as zero (off) or one (on). All letters of the alphabet, numbers, and symbols are converted to eight character binary numbers as you work with them in software on your computer.
These two states can be represented as zero (off) or one (on). All letters of the alphabet, numbers, and symbols are converted to eight character binary numbers as you work with them in software on your computer.
Activity #1- Decoding Binary Codes
For today's task you will use the Binary Alphabet Conversion sheet to decode a secrete message written in Binary Code.
Activity #2- Binary Code Bracelets
For today's task you will design a binary code bracelet with your initials.
1. Fill out the design planning sheet using binary code for each initial in your name.
2. Choose 3 colors of beads: one to represent 0s, another to represent 1s, and a different color to separate each letter.
3. Slide the beads in the correct order onto a chenille stem (pipe cleaner), then bend it into a bracelet and twist the ends to keep the beads from falling off.
1. Fill out the design planning sheet using binary code for each initial in your name.
2. Choose 3 colors of beads: one to represent 0s, another to represent 1s, and a different color to separate each letter.
3. Slide the beads in the correct order onto a chenille stem (pipe cleaner), then bend it into a bracelet and twist the ends to keep the beads from falling off.