Representing information
I can explain how representations are used to store, communicate and process information.
Representing information
I can explain how representations are used to store, communicate and process information.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are many types of representations, such as text, numbers, images, sound and symbols.
- Representations help us store, share and work with information.
- Sequences of 0s and 1s are used on computers to represent all types of information.
- Different representations may be suitable for different situations.
Keywords
Representation - the form in which data is stored, processed and transmitted by a computer system
Symbol - simply something that stands for something else
Common misconception
Data is processed, organised and structured information that provides context and meaning.
Information is processed, organised and structured data that provides context and meaning. Data is facts and figures in their raw form.
To help you plan your year 8 computing lesson on: Representing information, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 computing lesson on: Representing information, 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.
Equipment
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a spreadsheet commonly used for in school projects?
Q2.When collecting data for a project, what is it important to do?
Q3.What is the process called when you arrange data in order, such as from smallest to largest or alphabetically, in a spreadsheet?
Q4.Match each example to the correct tool or process:
writing down test scores in a table
using a graph to spot a trend
subscription service suggesting a new show
sorting numbers from smallest to largest in a spreadsheet
Q5.Which of these is an example of using data to make a decision?
Q6.Put these actions in order for how a recommendation service might work:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a representation used by computers?
Q2.What do sequences of 0s and 1s represent on a computer?
Q3.What is the name for the system of 0s and 1s that computers use to represent all types of information?
Q4.Match each keyword to its meaning:
the form in which data is stored, processed or transmitted
something that stands for something else
data that has been organised and given context
raw facts and figures, not yet given meaning