Students learn to use binary numbers to do basic calculations
| Learning Scenario Identity | |
| Title | JYU24: Basic math with binary numbers using cards |
| Creator | JYU |
| Length | 90 minutes (2×45 minutes) |
| Main idea/description | Students learn to use binary numbers to do basic calculations |
| Target group | 3rd-6th grade |
| Curriculum/learning subjects | Mathematics, Physical Education, ICT |
| Competencies | Students learn to understand how binary numbers work on basic math solutionsand how computers work at basic level. The students learn simple principles of programming languages. |
| Teachers’ wellness competences | TC4: Social e-competency |
| Learning Scenario Framework | |
| Pedagogical method | PI3. Enforcing attention and Awareness |
| Software/materials | In this scenario, students work in pairs to perform basic math using binary numbers. Seeing each other and working together to add binary numbers with cards is ideal. If done online, ensure clear instructions and use digital cards or other visual aids to simulate the binary math process.Teacher Tools: Access to breakout rooms in a conferencing tool will allow group interaction, and the teacher can move between groups to provide support.Clear Instructions: Begin by explaining binary numbers and how they are used for addition, similar to decimal numbers. Use real-life examples of binary systems (e.g., computers) to make it relatable. Demonstrate the binary addition process step-by-step using small numbers.Engagement and Breaks: Introduce short breaks between tasks, such as mindful moments or simple physical activities, to help students reset and refocus.Gradual Complexity: Start with 3-bit binary numbers, which are simpler to understand. Gradually increase the difficulty by introducing 5-bit numbers as students become comfortable, ensuring they don’t feel overwhelmed.Collaboration and Reflection: Encourage students to reflect after each task. Ask questions like, “What was challenging about adding in binary?” and “How did you overcome difficulties in the process?”This approach ensures students stay engaged while reducing cognitive load and technostress, promoting a positive learning environment. |
| Evaluation tools | The teacher observes the pairs as they start to work on the assignment. The teacher also follows the discussions after each assignment. |
| Learning Scenario Implementation | |
| Learning activities (description, duration, worksheets) | IntroductionExplain to students that today’s task is to learn how to do basic math using binary numbers. Remind them that computers use binary (1s and 0s) for calculations, and today they will act like computers by adding binary numbers. Students will work in pairs, with only one person moving cards or making changes at a time.Students are already familiar with binary numbers, but now we try to do basic math with them. Let’s remind ourselves how we add with normal numbers from 0-9.7 + 5Calculating this with long addition is familiar. Notice the carry in red. Long adding works similarly in binary numbers. Here’s a quick reminder about the 3-bit binary numbers. 000 = 0 001 = 1 010 = 2 011 = 3 100 = 4 101 = 5 110 = 6 111 = 7 The basic adding is quite easy to grasp. 0 + 0 = 0 0 + 1 = 1 1 + 0 = 1 1 + 1 = 10, which is 1+1 = 2 but in binary. Long addition works like this in binaryThe above calculation is 2 + 3 in binary. Notice how 0 +1 is 1 in the rightmost column. 1 + 1 is 0 and carries 1.The above calculation is 3 + 3 in binary. Notice how 1 +1 is 0 in the rightmost column as 1 is carried to the next column. In the middle 1 + 1 + carry 1 is 1 and carries 1. Exercise 1: Pair Work with Binary AdditionPair Up and Choose Roles:Each pair of students is assigned two roles: one will manipulate the binary cards, and the other will give directions and monitor the process. The roles will switch later.The goal is to add binary numbers by moving the binary cards one bit at a time to simulate binary addition.Step-by-Step Binary Addition:Start with 3-bit numbers. The card handler will arrange the binary number cards on the table.Add the two binary numbers, column by column, from right to left. Use the binary addition rules (e.g., 1+1 = 10) and carry over values where necessary.Only the student designated as the card handler can move the cards during the addition process.Mindfulness Breaks:After completing the first round of binary addition, take a short mindful break (e.g., a deep breath or stretch) before switching roles. This helps students reset and refocus.Switch Roles and Continue:After the break, switch roles so that the observer becomes the card handler. They will now perform another binary addition using a different set of numbers.Encourage clear communication between the partners to ensure each step is completed correctly.DiscussionOnce both rounds are complete, bring the students together to reflect on the process:“What was challenging about adding in binary?”“How did you manage to carry over values?”“Did switching roles help you understand binary better?”Exercise 2: Increasing Complexity with 5-Bit Binary NumbersNew Task:Now, students will add 5-bit binary numbers. The card handler and observer work together to decode the binary numbers and perform the addition using the same step-by-step process.Again, only the handler moves the cards while the observer guides.Encourage Conditional Logic:Introduce more advanced techniques, such as using conditional instructions for handling carry values (e.g., “If there is a carry, move to the next column and add it”).If Students Finish Early:Allow them to create their binary numbers and practice adding more bits, or introduce binary subtraction to increase the complexity.Closing ReflectionOnce all pairs have completed the tasks, hold a reflection session:“How did adding larger binary numbers feel compared to smaller ones?”“What strategies did you use to handle carries?”“How does binary math relate to how computers perform calculations?”This approach encourages active collaboration, careful attention, and reflection while minimizing stress. It builds understanding through gradual complexity, regular breaks, and positive learning reinforcement. |