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Unit Summary
In the prior unit, Circuits and Switches, students learned how binary numbers 0 and 1 are represented in electrical states (on/off). In the Digital Information unit, students learn how binary numbers can actually be used to create a language and logic for digital devices.
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Understanding some of the ways computers represent, process, and display letters, numbers, sounds, and images |
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Comparing the binary number system to the decimal number system |
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Adding binary numbers |
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Using binary numbers to represent the alphabet (ASCII) |
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Decision-making with AND/OR statements |
Goals and Objectives
Students will learn:
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How the binary system can be used to represent images |
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What a pixel is and how it's used to represent images |
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How the two-state (on and off) nature of transistors can be used to represent information |
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How to convert decimal numbers to binary numbers and vice versa |
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How to add binary numbers |
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How to represent letters of the alphabet with the 8-bit ASCII code |
Time to Complete Online Lessons: about 50 minutes
Preparation
- Read the background information.
- Review and prepare for supplemental lesson ideas and group activities.
- Organize materials and equipment:
Procedures
- Have students complete the online activities:
Throughout the unit, facilitate the development of new vocabulary introduced in this unit.
- Students who are not at the computer can work on supplemental lesson ideas and group activities.
- After students complete the online materials, they can:
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Demonstrate their knowledge of the one-to-one correspondence between binary-counting numbers and decimal-counting numbers by completing the table of values online or in the Binary Numbers Student Handout |
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Perform simple addition problems between two binary numbers, and check their answers |
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Suggest a list of other items that can be represented by a binary system, such as the possible answers in a yes/no survey, a true/false test, a game of 20 questions, and so forth |
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Explain in their own words why ASCII code is used and what it's used for |
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