File size and compression
I can explore what compression is and the impact it can have on the size and quality of a file.
File size and compression
I can explore what compression is and the impact it can have on the size and quality of a file.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Compression is used to reduce the size of digital files.
- Lossy and lossless compression affects digital files.
- Using compressed files has both benefits and drawbacks for the use and transfer of file.
Keywords
Lossy compression - a method where data is permanently lost during the compression process and must be approximated when the file is decompressed
Lossless compression - a method of compression where no data is permanently lost during the process
Common misconception
Compression always reduces quality or that compressed files are always lower quality than uncompressed files.
Lossless compression retains all original data by finding and storing repeated patterns more efficiently.
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: File size and compression, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: File size and compression, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Data representation: images and sound unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
reducing file size
restoring file to original size
permanently removes data
retains all original data
the amount of data a file contains