1.1.

1 Binary Systems
Syllabus Objectives
recognise the use of binary numbers in computer systems
convert positive denary integers into binary and positive binary integers into denary
show understanding of the concept of a byte and how the byte is used to measure memory
size
Main Objectives
Understand binary notation and to convert positive denary integers into binary and positive
binary integers into denary
Recognise the use of binary numbers in computer systems
Starter
Read about Binary data using the extract from Teach-ICT.com

1. On the board count in Binary (W)

2. Watch the Video on Binary numbers at Computer Studies Unplugged:
http://csunplugged.org/binary-numbers
Main Activity:
Binary Notation
1. In pairs use the set of binary cards and make up numbers for your friend to display in
Binary and give your friend a denary number to display in binary. Do this 10 times and
write down your conversions below.
2. Use the Following Binary counter to check your answers
http://www.mathsisfun.com/binary-decimal-hexadecimal-converter.html

3. Try the game Cisco binary game:

http://forums.cisco.com/CertCom/game/binary_game_page.htm And see your score after
10 minutes
4. Extension:Another interesting property of binary numbers is what happens when a zero is
put on the right hand side of the number. If we are working in base 10 (decimal), when
you put a zero on the right hand side of the number, it is multiplied by 10.
For example, 9 becomes 90, 30 becomes 300.
But what happens when you put a 0 on the right of a binary number? Try this:
1001 10010
(9) (?)
Make up some others to test your hypothesis. What is the rule? Why do you think this
happens?
Watch the Video Part 2: Binary Counting at Computer Studies Unplugged:
http://csunplugged.org/binary-numbers

So..What is this all about?

1. CIE CS Rev Guide (Binary and Hex) read p160 and answer the question 11.6.6 and
11.6.7 on p163-4 (I)
Binary and memory size
1. Teacher presents the concept of the byte; class discussion about how the byte is used to
measure memory size by introducing the concept of KB, MB, GB, TB.
2. Visit http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/computer
%20systems/storage_units/miniweb/index.htm and view the Mini theory database. Now
complete the following tasks:
a. Correct The Teacher

b. Sort the Storage Units into Size

c. Crossword Clues
3. Read HowStuff Works Bits and Bytes http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bytes.htm and
explain why a KB is 1024 bytes and not 1000 (W)
4. Revision back to Types of Memory and classification of Memory size. Read back on old
notes and visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/hardware/1datastoragerev2.shtml and then
list here the memory size of each type of storage:
Storage Medium/Device
Storage capacity
hard disk drives
RAM
DVD
Blue Ray Disk
USB flash drive
Plenary
Play the games in Teach ICT http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/gcse_ict_quizzes.htm Storage
Units (I)
Key Terms:
Binary Numbers Series of numbers consisting only of 0 and 1
Denary Numbers Series of numbers consisting of 0 to 9
Bit smallest unit of memory and stored 0 or 1
Byte consists of 8 bits
KB, MB, GB, TB - Different units of memory
Resources Available:
Binary counter for example:
www.mathsisfun.com/binary-decimal-hexadecimal-converter.html
Binary numbers at Computer Studies Unplugged:
http://csunplugged.org/binary-numbers
Cisco binary game:
http://forums.cisco.com/CertCom/game/binary_game_page.htm
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies Revision Book Chp 11.4 sample questions in 11.6
Simple comparisons at
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/hardware/1datastoragerev2.shtml
Useful reinforcement material:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bytes.htm