Introducing Binary Numbers

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This 13-minute video tells why binary numbers are important in computing and why computers use binary numbers. Students make their own binary counting cards. Then the video explains how to find the decimal value of a binary number and how to find the binary value of a decimal number. A printable set of counting cards and a set of exercises are available.

Handout and Exercises
Printable cards (front)
Printable cards (back; this file is optional, the backs of the cards can be left blank.)
Online Cards This page can replace paper cards in settings where students have computers available. (I believe paper cards are preferable as they also teach the importance of place location. The online cards are permanently properly arranged.) This page works best with Firefox. If the cards "misbehave" in Chrome, reloading the page sometimes helps.

Supplemental Material for Teachers and Parents

Teacher notes A single page of notes to help teachers or parents work with students using this material.
Why Computers Use Binary Numbers A short reading for teachers with a bit more detail than the slides. Introduces two important facts that could be explained to older students.

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