Measurements of storage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can define different storage units and convert between them.
Key learning points
- Data in computer systems is represented and stored as binary (0s and 1s).
- Storage units can be converted.
- Different files take up different amounts of storage.
- Knowing file sizes helps manage storage space efficiently.
Keywords
Bit - a binary digit, the basic unit of data within a computer system that has the value 0 or 1
Byte - a group of 8 bits
Number prefixes - a word used in front of a number to represent a multiple of that number
Common misconception
Bits and bytes are the same thing. They all refer to binary numbers.
A bit is the smallest unit of data. A byte is a group of 8 bits and is used to summarise larger sequences of bits in a more convenient way.
Teacher tip
Get students to think about the devices and technology they use every day. Ask them what units of storage are referred to and why. For example, why are megabyte units used for photos and terabytes for hard drives etc. They need to appreciate waht these values mean and how they compare.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term 'data' refer to in computing?
Q2.What is ASCII used for?
Q3.What does hertz measure?
Q4.What is the smallest unit of data in computing?
Q5.How many bits are in a byte?
Q6.Match the terms to their examples.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is binary used for in computing?
Q2.What does a number prefix represent in computing?
Q3.Arrange the storage units in order of increasing size.
Q4.What does a kilobyte represent in computing?
Q5.A sound file lasts 2 minutes, has a sample rate of 44100 Hz, a bit depth of 16 bits and is recorded in stereo. Calculate the file size in megabytes (MB).
Q6.What is the purpose of knowing file sizes?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Measurements of storage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Measurements of storage, 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 4 computer science lessons from the Data compression unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.