This Computing video supports teachers in showing the children how data is transmitted across space using radio waves and how binary code underpins digital communication.

The video demonstrates how radio waves transmit signals with minimal distortion and how orbiters relay messages to Mars rovers. It introduces binary numbers as a base-two system for encoding data through on/off signals, explains how bits combine into bytes, and explores Boolean logic, named after George Boole, which underpins all digital operations. The lesson builds understanding of digital communication and coding, supporting the children in grasping abstract concepts and preparing them for the next stage, which is applying binary in calculations and data handling tasks.

This video is part of the Year 5 Data handling: Mars Rover 1 unit, supporting the children to develop their understanding of data and digital systems.

See more of our Year 5 Computing scheme of work.

• Computing, key stage 2, Year 5, Data handling: Mars Rover 1, Lesson 2: Binary code.
• Computing, key stage 2, Year 5, Data handling: Mars Rover 1.