At its simplest level, a computer is a machine that processes information. It takes in data, processes it, and then responds to it. But computers can’t understand English. They can only understand one “language,” called binary. Binary is composed of only two digits— zero and one. Humans use many different coding languages to give computers instructions, but all of these languages eventually get converted into zeros and ones.
MATERIALS:
3 colors of beads
Scissors
String
Pencil
TIME ESTIMATED:
20 minutes
DIRECTIONS:
Write your name or message on the template.
Circle all of the letters in your name or message on the template.
Assign a color bead to 0, a color to 1, and a color to space
Tie a knot in the string.
String the beads of the first letter of your name on the string, according to the template.
Add a space bead after the code of your first letter is complete.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the rest of the letters in your name.
If your bracelet is too short, add extra space beads at the end, and if it is too long, you may have to wrap it around your wrist twice.
Tie the bracelet together.
Try it on!
If it doesn't fit, consider adding more space beads or wrapping it around your wrist twice.
THINK LIKE A SCIENTIST!
How does binary code work, and what does it convey?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Generally, each letter or character is represented in binary by an 8-digit string of ones and zeros. Each zero or one is called a bit. It’s where the term 8-bit comes from! Eight-bit games like the Legend of Zelda or Super Mario Bros. are usually slow with low-resolution graphics. But in the 1970s and 1980s, a computer could only process 8 bits at a time. In this activity, we strung together a series of bits to spell out a message, translating a name, the name of a hero, or a phrase into binary code.
FURTHER EXPLORATION:
Coding is all about problem solving, and learning how to solve a problem in a way that a computer will understand. You’ll also need a strong memory. Improve your programming skills with brain games like pattern recognition and memory challenges. There are hundreds of different kinds of computer programming languages, but some are more popular than others. JavaScript makes websites interactive. Python is good for creating programs that crunch math and science data. Ruby was designed to be as close to human language as possible by using words instead of numbers. PHP is the most common language for the web.
Anticipated COncerns:
Students may make bracelets that are not the correct length, and they may have to be remade. Students might have trouble tying the knots or stringing the beads.
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