Building a Binary Mechanical Hard Drive

Abstract:

Students learn about the practical uses, structure, mathematics and terminology of the binary number system. They learn how to convert a given number from the binary to the decimal number system and vice versa, and perform binary addition and subtraction as part of a class game. They use this understanding to build their own simple, mechanical "hard drive" a box that uses binary numbers to represent words for later retrieval. The activity helps students build an appreciation for the way that computers and electronics store and retrieve information.

Subject:

Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Secondary

Collection:

TeachEngineering