January 23, 2014 - Day Two

After students located their pencil that was labeled with their initials in binary . . .

We learned about bits and bytes. Bit is short for binary digit. One bit on its own can't represent much, so they are usually grouped together in sets of eight, called a byte. The speed of a computer depends upon how many bits it can process at once. A 32-bit computer can process more information faster than a 16-bit computer. Bits and bytes are what a computer uses to store and transmit information.

We reviewed how to turn base 10 numbers into binary, and we practiced changing binary numbers back to base 10. We also reviewed how to represent letters in binary form as well.

Students learned a card trick today! I sent home a set of six cards so they can amaze you with their new mind-reading abilities. After you are dazzled, please ask them if they can explain how it works. In addition to the short-and-sweet answer that they are likely to provide, they should be able to explain how that relates to what we have learned about binary.

Students then continued working on their Programming 101 lessons on the Tynker website. I "assigned" more lessons this afternoon so that those go-getters who have been working ahead at home can continue on with new material if they wish.