Computer Science

raw facts, such as numbers or text, presented without any meaning

a number system that uses the digits 0 and 1 to represent data

directions on how to carry out a specific task

a tiny electronic switch controlled by electricity.

Why do computers use binary?

In this unit pupils will be reminded of how the base-10 number system works before being introduced to the base-2 number system. They will perform conversions between binary and decimal and recognise the rules of binary addition and subtraction. They will be introduced to hexadecimal and its uses.

Representation of numbers

raw facts, like numbers or text, presented without context or meaning

a small electronic switch controlled by electricity

Match the words to the correct description.

Binary allows messages to be encoded so hackers can’t read them.

It is the easiest language to program in.

Electrical circuits use transistors that can be switched on and off.

What types of data can be represented by binary when stored on a computer?

If 1001 represents on, off, off, on, what does 01 represent?

Write the binary number that would represent off, on, on, off, off, on, off, on. You don’t need any spaces or punctuation.

Five binary digits allow 32 combinations, six binary digits allow 64 combinations. How many combinations can we represent with eight binary digits?

to send information across a long distance

to tell a lot of people something at the same time

People may write a message for a number of reasons. Which of these is NOT a reason to write a message?

Written messages can appear in many forms. Put these forms of writing into date order, from oldest to most recent.

A computer can store {{}} and instructions.

Select all the ways that a light bulb can appear. 

What is the next number in this sequence: 1, 2, 4, 8…?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Why do computers use binary?

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.