Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Binary Game: Decoding the Dots
Students will play a game where they have to decode binary patterns to earn points.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Explain that computers use a special language called binary made of 0s and 1s.
Identify that a 1 means 'on' and a 0 means 'off'.
Identify the value of each place in a 4-bit binary number (1, 2, 4, 8).
Decode a 4-bit binary number into a regular number between 0 and 15.
Encode a regular number between 0 and 15 into a 4-bit binary number.
Work with a partner to solve simple binary puzzles.
Have you ever wanted to talk to a computer in its own secret code? 🤫 Let's learn the language of 0s and 1s!
Today, we're going to become codebreakers! We will learn about binary, the special two-number language that all computers use to work. Understanding binary helps us see how computers think and store information like our names, picture...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
BinaryA special language that only uses two numbers: 0 and 1. It's the main language of all computers.The code 101 is a binary number.
BitA single binary number, either a 0 or a 1. It's the smallest piece of computer information.In the binary number 101, there are 3 bits.
On (1)The number 1 in binary. It means 'yes' or 'on', like flipping a light switch on.If a card has dots on it, we can call it 'on' and use a 1.
Off (0)The number 0 in binary. It means 'no' or 'off', like a light switch that is off.If a card is blank with no dots, we can call it 'off' and use a 0.
Place ValueWhere a number is tells you how much it's worth. In our dot game, the places are 1, 2, 4, and 8.A 1 in the '4s...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Doubling Pattern
8 - 4 - 2 - 1
When we set up our binary dot cards, we always arrange them from right to left. The first card is worth 1, the next is worth 2, then 4, then 8. Each new card is worth double the one before it!
Reading the Code (Decoding)
Add up the values of the 'On' (1) cards.
To figure out what number a binary code represents, you only add the numbers from the cards that are turned 'on' (showing a 1). You ignore the cards that are 'off' (showing a 0).
Making the Code (Encoding)
Find the biggest card value that fits and subtract.
To make a number, start with the biggest card (8). If it's smaller than or equal to your number, turn it 'on' (1) and subtract its value from your number. Then do the same for t...
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Challenging
You have four dots for the 8s, 4s, 2s, and 1s places. To make the number 9, which dots must be filled?
A.The 8s dot and the 1s dot
B.The 4s dot, the 2s dot, and the 1s dot
C.Only the 8s dot
D.All of the dots
Challenging
You see three filled dots (`111`). You click the dot on the far right (the 1s place), and it becomes empty. What number did you have, and what number do you have now?
A.You had 3, now you have 2
B.You had 7, now you have 6
C.You had 111, now you have 110
D.You had 6, now you have 7
Challenging
Imagine a rule in the game: IF the total number shown by the dots is an odd number, THEN a star lights up. Which dot MUST be filled for the star to light up?
A.The 8s place dot
B.The 4s place dot
C.The 2s place dot
D.The 1s place dot
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