Did you know your computer knows only two numbers? Those numbers are one and two. Those two numbers translate every letter, number, and symbol you click on the keyboard into an eight-digit number. That eight-digit number is called a byte. Each of the numbers or a bit in the byte is a one or a two. You can introduce your children to the binary numbers for the numbers 1,2,3 and 4 as the work on this set of shark coloring pages.
While they don’t explain how the bytes for each number is created, it does let them see how a computer sees that number. The hope is by exposing them to binary numbers they will start to build a foundation of what they are.
Why Sharks?
I am working on a series of Shark themed coding activities that could be used during Shark Week. This is one of the sets in the series. You will find other shark-themed coding pages on the Shark Week kick off-page.
Getting Ready to Explore the Binary Number Coloring Pages
After you download the Color By Binary Numbers 1,2,3,and 4 Shark Pages, you will need to open them up with a PDF reader. Acrobat Reader is a good one to use. Then you can decide if you want to print out one or both of the coloring pages.
Introducing The Binary Numbers Worksheet to Your Children
The worksheet can be explored in a number of different ways. You can come up with your own steps or follow the steps I have below.
First, you will want to tell the that a computer only knows the numbers one and two.
Second, you will want to tell them that what they type into a computer is understood by the computer as a byte. A byte is made up of a combination of eight 0’s and 1’s.
Third, the binary codes for the numbers 1,2,3 and 4 are displayed at the top of the coloring page.
Fourth, a color is been assigned to each binary number.
Fifth, everywhere your children see that binary number in the picture they will color its space with the assigned color.
Sixth, the spaces without numbers will be left blank.
Reading About Sharks
Before you start the coloring pages or after your children have completed them, you may want to have them read about sharks. Below you will find some fun books about sharks.
The links below are affiliate links.
More Binary Activities
These binary activities are a fun way to introduce your children to how binary code works. Not all of the binary activities are found on this blog. If they are from another blog, you will find the name of the blog after the activity.
The first activity is binary countdown rockets.
Spelling 4th of July Words in Binary is the second activity.
The third activity is Pool Noodle Ideas – Building Letters in Binary Code.
Finally, Valentine’s Day Coding STEM Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands is a great activity to try.
This is part of the Shark Worksheets for Kids (Five Days Worth) event.
Joanie Craddock says
Hi Deirdre!
I am not sure how I got here (possibly Pinterest) but your work is INCREDIBLE! I am currently a STEM Instructional Support Teacher and I was looking for TK computer science ideas. I am planning on spending more time looking at what you have created but I was wondering if it is for sale. I would love to use your “Give a Pig a Pancake” lesson for our TK challenges and of course I’ll give you credit but I would also like to pay for it.
Thank you for sharing your creativity!
Joanie Craddock
Deirdre says
Everything on my blog is free for you to download! I am so pleased that you like my materials.
Marysa says
What a fun activity! Great educational activity for younger kids.