Measurements of data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can provide examples of the different ways binary digits are physically represented in digital devices.
Key learning points
- Data is measured in units, like bits, bytes, kilobytes (kB), megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).
- You can convert between units.
- Binary digits are physically represented in digital devices.
- All digital data whether text, images or videos is stored using patterns of bits.
Keywords
Unit - a standard measurement used to quantify the amount of digital information
Prefix - changes the size of the unit by a certain amount
Common misconception
Mega is larger than giga.
The order of prefixes from smallest to largest is kilo, mega, giga, tera.
Teacher tip
This lesson talks about units of measurement, it would be useful to relate this to units of measurements pupils may have seen elsewhere, for example in catering where they may have experienced g, kg etc.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What digits are used in the binary number system?
Q2.What does each digit in a decimal number represent?
Q3.How do you convert a decimal number to binary?
Q4.Which number is written as 101 in binary?
Q5.What is the binary representation of the decimal number eight?
Q6.Match each keyword to its meaning:
a number system with ten digits
a number system with two digits
another name for decimal
a single digit in binary
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If a file is 2,000 bytes, how many kilobytes is it?
Q2.What prefix means one million?
Q3.Which statement is correct about the relationship between bits and bytes?
Q4.Put these data units in order from smallest to largest:
Q5.How is data stored on an optical disk, such as a CD or DVD?
Q6.Put these steps in order to show how data is transferred using wireless signals:
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Measurements of data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Measurements of 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.
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: text and numbers unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.