Using Minecraft to display binary ASCii codes

Who is this for:
This is an introductory lesson to get pupils thinking about how computers use binary to store information, then displaying representations of ASCII characters using Minecraft. Pupils will not need to know exactly how binary conversion takes place, this can be covered in later lessons. The focus of this lesson is to understand that data such as text can be represented by 1’s and 0’s.

Resources Included:
Powerpoint to cover main theme of lesson
ASCii Worksheet for pupils to use to convert their name to ASCII and Binary
Binary Converter.xlsx to help pupils convert denary to 8 bit binary
Review Short 7 question review test

I have started recently to use MinecraftEDU in my computer Science lessons as a large proprtion of my Y7 and 8 pupils are very interested in it. Working in an SEND school the use of Minecraft has really helped to engage my pupils and has led to some great learning adventures for them and myself. In lessons I will usually join pupils on the server so that I can assist them and get involved first hand with their learning.

This lesson introduces binary in a fun way to get pupils thinking about how data can be represented in a computer, then uses Minecraft to represent binary data. I have extended this lesson sometimes to give pupils the challenge of decoding messages other pupils have set up using minecraft torches. The possibilities are endless!

Please share any ideas and Review if you find it useful.
Thanks

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