Computing · Stage 5
Binary: 0s and 1s
Coding & Systems · systems — how computers store everything using just two digits: 0 and 1
✦ Computing📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~11 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can explain how binary stores data as 0s and 1s.
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Kavi and the Light Switch
Kavi flicked a light switch — off, then on, then off again. "A switch only knows two things," Kavi hooted, "OFF or ON." Then Kavi gasped: inside every computer are billions of tiny switches, and each one is either OFF or ON. We write OFF as 0 and ON as 1. "So that's the secret — computers remember everything (your name, your photos, your favourite song) using just two little digits. That's called binary!"
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What your child will learn
10, 1, bit and byteBinary uses only two digits: 0 and 1. Tap each word to learn what it means.
2Off or on — nothing in betweenA computer is built from billions of tiny switches. Each switch can only be OFF or ON — never half-way. That is why computers use exactly two digits. Tap each card to compare.
3How the letter K becomes 0s and 1sEvery piece of data is turned into a pattern of 0s and 1s before it is stored. Follow the steps for the letter K.
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A peek inside
Binary uses only two digits. Which two are they — and what does each one mean?
a switch is either off or on
Try this at home: Binary uses only two digits. Which two?
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Computing · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.