Binary Code for Kids

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Binary is a code that represents numbers using a series of 0s and 1s. Codes are like a secret language that computers, apps, and phones speak. You may think the computer is the smartest thing in the world, but really computers are just super good at following incredibly specific and detailed instructions.

We use binary code to tell our computers what we need from them. In today’s activity, we are going to be using Binary code to create a holiday-themed binary numbers worksheet that is perfect for a classroom activity. 

What does binary mean?

The word binary comes from “Bi-” meaning two. We see “bi-” in words such as “bicycle” because it has two wheels. In binary coding, there are only two digits 0 and 1. It’s hard to image that computers can break down all of their complex functions into simple strings of 0s and 1s!

What is a bit?

For example, 110100 is a Binary Number. A “bit” is a single binary digit. The number 110100 has 6 bits.

All data in a modern digital computer is ultimately stored and transmitted as a series of zeros and ones. Everything from our apps, photos, and programs is transmitted in a series of zeros and ones. 

Every computer is made up of billions of bits. A bit is short for Binary Digits and each bit is read by the computer as either on or off. The on and off values are represented by the numbers 1 and 0. Computers use billions of these sequences to store together complex information.

What is a bitmap?

Bitmap image files are able to store large images by breaking them down into smaller pieces. Bitmaps are composed of a series of small dots called pixels. When looked at up close, a bitmap image might just look like a series of small squares. From afar, however, bitmaps can store complex images.

What is a pixel?

 What’s a pixel, you say? A pixel is a little tiny square that is filled with a color. We use pixels to see pictures on our computers. Each pixel is like a building block used to create something bigger.

Images are everywhere on computers. Some are obvious, like photos on Facebook or the buttons on a website. Others aren’t as obvious like a font is really a collection of binary numbers displayed through pixels.

Binary Numbers Worksheet

In today’s binary coding for kids activity, we’re going to create a design using the binary code system. This free binary code worksheet is a perfect compliment to the computer science classroom. It’s also a great worksheet for kids to practice understanding binary code at home. 

In this activity, we’ll be using binary code to build pixels that will make a holiday image (or an emoji!). We’ll be using white squares to represent the 0 pixels and black squares to represent the 1 pixels in our design.

Looking for other binary numbers activities? Check out this binary number activity centre that is perfect for the kindergarten or primary classroom.

How to complete the binary code worksheet:

There are two parts to our holiday themed coding worksheets. In part one, students will convert binary images into binary numbers. In the second part, students will translate binary numbers into holiday pictures.

Crack the Code Part One

• Students will represent a white square with a 0 and a black square with a 1.
• The binary image is already filled in. Students just need to record the correct binary numbers to represent the pictures.

Crack the Code Part Two

• Students will be given binary numbers and will need to translate these to a binary image.
• 0s will be represented as white squares
• 1s will be represented as black squares

Binary Code Worksheet PDFs

Frequently Asked Questions About Binary Code for Kids

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