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Computers & Digital Literacy · Grade 4

Data Representation and Simple Models

Learners discover that computers store everything (numbers, letters and pictures) as bits, 0s and 1s, and that every extra bit doubles the number of patterns. They turn number codes into pixel pictures, then use a simple plant-growth simulation to make predictions and explain what any model leaves out.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 70 minutes
  • Data and models check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, match pairs, type a number, shade a shape, sort into groups and write a short answer
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What learners will discover

  • Explain that computers store all data as bits (0s and 1s), read small binary numbers using place values 4, 2 and 1, and show that each extra bit doubles the number of patterns.
  • Show how a picture becomes data: a grid of pixels, each stored as a number code such as 1 for black and 0 for white.
  • Use a simple computer model to make predictions, and explain what the model leaves out and why real results may differ.

Lessons

  1. Everything is bits 4 steps2 practiceabout 18 min
  2. Pictures made of numbers 4 steps3 practiceabout 16 min
  3. A model makes predictions 4 steps2 practiceabout 17 min
  4. What models leave out 4 steps3 practiceabout 19 min
  5. Data and models check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 4th grade computer skills

Guide for grown-ups