Summary
This episode explains binary -- how computers represent every photo, word, and sound as combinations of just two values, 0 and 1 -- and why that simple on/off system is powerful enough to store all kinds of data.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
This video explains binary, the two-value (0 and 1) system computers use to store data.
- What are the only two values a computer's binary system uses?
- Why do you think computers use such a simple system instead of something more complex?
- What kinds of things (besides numbers) can binary be used to represent?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: binary, bit, data.
Try it: Using only two symbols (like clap/silence or on/off), invent a short "binary" code for the letters in your name and share it with a partner.