Learning objective
- To read and calculate numbers using binary code.
Success criteria
- I can identify binary as the most basic
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National curriculum
Computing
Pupils should be taught to:
- Understand
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Cross-curricular links
Mathematics
Number – number
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will create a mind map to help them remember what they learnt about Mars Rovers in the previous lesson. Hand out whiteboards and pens and display the Presentation: Mind map. Read the slide aloud and allow time for the children to complete the activity.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
How to extend your display to view the lesson page and presentation mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video
If you need further support with extending your display,
please contact [email protected].
Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
- Could use the Activity: Binary bars to work out binary numbers by switching bits on and off visually, supporting accurate reading and calculation of values.
- Could use cubes or counters to support addition by physically combining values before recording the total.
Pupils working at greater depth
- Should calculate the highest possible number in an 8-bit binary system by turning all bits on and explaining how the values combine to make 255.
- Could complete additional levels of the link: Penjee – Binary Blitz to apply their calculation strategies independently.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: reading and calculating binary
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Vocabulary definitions
-
8-bit binary
A way of using eight on/off values to represent numbers from 0 to 255.
-
binary
A system computers use to store information using only 0 and 1.
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Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 2nd March, 2026
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