Binary digits: Bits!

How do computers work?  We have been exploring this question.

By using a base 2 system in which only 2 digits are used, the 1 and the 0, we have discovered that any number can be represented.  The numbers then can be used as code to capture other ideas.  This is what is known as an abstraction.

These students are the first 4 bits. The 1, the 2, the 4 and the 8.  They are representing the number 12 with the first 2 bits off and the next 2 on.  In binary code this is represented as 1100.  

Or, Off Off On On.

We are going to be using binary code to make our own puzzles. 

Hour of Code

We are learning the basics of computer science. We did coding using Hour of Code and it was lots of fun. Coding is what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps and websites. We used Hour of Code to learn how coding works. You have to put blocks together so that objects on the screen move.

Binary Code

Today we learnt about binary code as part of our "Beautiful Ideas in Maths" Inquiry. 

This is part of our big idea that Maths meets the needs of people. 

Binary code is a system of representing numbers, letters, commands, images and sounds. Amazingly, it uses only two types of information to do this – 1 and 0. Binary code is at the heart of anything that goes on inside a computer.  

We used our knowledge of binary to crack a code. 

Can you solve this puzzle?

Some of us went on to make our own secret messages and we asked our friends to solve these... 

Alex: I am interested in binary code and how you can use it in maths.

Milla: I’m interested in learning more about coding,make some for my friends and work some out

Nick: Does binary have anything to do with what we do everyday?

Jan: I am interested in learning how you write in binary.

Flynn: I learnt how to decode binary numbers and find messages. It links to math by being code and puzzles and numbers. I am interested in how it was invented. I want to find out how people use binary in other ways than computers.

Daisy: I would like to do more of binary coding in maths because it is really fun!

Jessie: I learnt that maths is fun and creative in the world and nature you can find it anywhere.

Hour of Code

Today we had an "Hour of Code" event. Schools across the world have signed up to be part of this event.

We met Bob the robot. We learnt how to code Bob using building blocks. 

What a great and fun way to learn how to code. 

Hour of Code 2017

The ICT Student Council Group have been helping teachers to organise the "Hour of Code" event this year. They have been trialling the "Gumball Play Lab" so that we can become experts and teach others.

Students in Matariki and Mahutonga have new login details that they have already received or will receive shortly.

During Computer Science Education Week, tens of millions of students will gather all around the world to participate in the annual Hour of Code.

Watch this space...

You can check out the site at https://code.org/