Representations: from clay to silicon

In this lesson, we will investigate the use of symbols to represent information (just like computers do) and relate this to human practice for centuries. We will prepare for exploring binary representations in the context of computing.

In this lesson, we will learn how to encode, transmit, and decode short messages using a variety of coding schemes and communication medium (signals, light, sounds, holes in paper, etc.). We will understand that text representation uses sequences of symbols.

In this lesson, we will grasp what binary digits are by associating them with familiar sets of symbols such as letters and decimal digits. We will solve simple problems that reinforce the connection between (alphanumeric) information and its binary representation.

In this lesson, we will build upon using a decimal numbering system, in order to draw analogies with how numbers can be represented using binary. We will convert between binary and decimal.

In this lesson, we will explore the prefixes used for measuring size, such as 'kilo-', 'mega-', 'giga-', and 'tera-'. We will revisit digital computing devices using binary digits to represent all information (including programs).

In this lesson, we will complete a set of tasks followed by a puzzle activity that utilises conversion between binary and decimal.