Representing images with binary data
I can explain how images are represented using binary digits and created using the RGB system.
Representing images with binary data
I can explain how images are represented using binary digits and created using the RGB system.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Digital pictures are formed out of individual pixels (picture elements).
- The elements in a digital image are arranged in a grid of rows and columns.
- The colour of a pixel can be represented as a mixture of red, green and blue.
Keywords
Pixel - a single element of an image on a computer screen
Bit - binary digit - the basic unit of data within a computer system that has the value 0 or 1
RGB system - a colour model used to represent and create colours by combining three colours of light: red, green and blue
Intensity - the strength of a colour, shown by the value of each element (red, green or blue)
Common misconception
The number of bits per pixel that represent the colour are always individual specific colours.
When RGB is used to define the colour of a pixel the bits represent different intesities of red, green and blue providing different colour mixes.
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: Representing images with binary data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: Representing images with binary data, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
4 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
basic unit of data
the amount of colour from 0 to 255
a single element of an image