📚 Topic Summary
In this activity, you and a partner will simulate how computers send information using a simple 'tap' code. One person acts as the sender, encoding a message into a series of taps (short and long), while the other acts as the receiver, decoding the taps back into the original message. This demonstrates the fundamental concept of encoding and decoding used in computer communication.
This hands-on activity helps you understand the basics of binary code and how computers transmit information. Think of it as a super simple version of Morse code, but with taps!
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Encoding |
A. Converting a message back into readable form. |
| 2. Decoding |
B. A set of rules for converting information into another form. |
| 3. Protocol |
C. Translating a message into a specific code. |
| 4. Binary |
D. A system using two options, like 0 and 1, to represent data. |
| 5. Bit |
E. The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented as 0 or 1. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words.
In our tap activity, the sender uses _______ to convert a message into a series of taps. The receiver uses _______ to understand the message. Each tap can represent a _______ of information. This is similar to how computers use _______ code to communicate.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
How could you expand this activity to make it more complex and represent more information? For example, how could you add error correction?