Name
A STORY IN BINARY CODE
Topic
Learning computer science
Learning time
4 hours
Designed time
5 hours and 10 minutes
Size of class
25
Description
The lesson wants to link unplugged computer science with a game program tool. After pupils have learned how to convert numbers written in decimal system to binary system they have to create a binary code to write messages/story and design a simple program that put their messages on.
Aims
1) learn the binary system and how a computer stores and moves data. 2) introduce children to computing using a programming tool.
Outcomes
Knowledge, Application, Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation
Editor
federica
Edit
IN CLASS: THE BINARY SYSTEM
75 minutes)
  • Read Watch Listen
    10
    25
    1
    Learn the binary system using the activity proposed by the CS Unplugged book: Count the dots. The teacher explain to the class the game rules.
  • Discuss
    25
    25
    0
    With 5 pupils teacher discusses with the class on how we can make binary numbers using the cards of the game.
  • Collaborate
    25
    5
    0
    In group of five cut the dot cards and play the "Count the dots game" until each group member have learned how to convert a decimal number in binary number.
  • Practice
    15
    1
    0
    At home get the hang of the binary numbers converting at least 10 decimal numbers to binary numbers.
Notes:
I consider that usually in Italy we several lessons in hour modules, so I try to make the learning itinerary hour by hour.
Resources linked: 0
IN CLASS: WORKING WITH BINARY NUMBERS
60 minutes)
  • Practice
    20
    2
    0
    In pair pupils have to explore and do the activities proposed in the CS unplugged book: - working with binary; - sending secret messages; - email and modems.
  • Produce
    20
    2
    0
    In pair write down a message using whatever code you want (e.g. numbers to letters; beep and boop; symbols ect.), you can also use a code made by you.
  • Discuss
    10
    2
    0
    Each group exchange their work with another and try to decode the message.
  • Discuss
    10
    25
    0
    Listen the teacher what you must to do to make a binary number code and write a message using it.
Notes:
Resources linked: 0
AT HOME: CREATE YOUR STORY
20 minutes)
  • Produce
    20
    1
    0
    Imagine a dialogue or a story with two characters, they could be spies o whatever you want. They don't want that anybody can understand what they are saying so they use a code based on binary numbers. Create your own code and write the dialogue between the two characters.
Notes:
Resources linked: 0
IN CLASS: SHOW THE MESSAGES
70 minutes)
  • Collaborate
    10
    2
    0
    In pair, look your two stories and try to decode them.
  • Discuss
    20
    25
    0
    Discuss with your teacher how easy or difficult it was to decode the stories and if you have found mistakes. Listen what your teacher says about how to split up your problem and solve each part step by step.
  • Read Watch Listen
    15
    25
    3
    Watch what the teacher shows some instructions for a game tool program e.g. scratch.
  • Investigate
    25
    2
    0
    Investigate scratch program and some of the instructions said by your teacher. Try to think how to make your story on stage.
Notes:
Resources linked: 0
IN CLASS: PUT YOUR STORY ON STAGE
55 minutes)
  • Collaborate
    50
    2
    0
    Use scratch program to type your instructions to make your story on stage. If it works, try to implement your program giving much scrips.
  • Read Watch Listen
    5
    2
    1
    Remember to do a good job you have to be a team. Be goods driver and navigator! Watch the video to do up your memory.
Notes:
Resources linked: 0
AT HOME: MAKE YOUR OWN SCRATCH STORY
30 minutes)
  • Produce
    30
    1
    0
    Using scratch create a story, you are free to decide everything but you have to use different kind of scripts. Don't forget to put in your story messages in your binary code. You will have a point for each code line that you have written up to a maximum of 10.
Notes:
Resources linked: 0

Learning Experience

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