Off-the-shelf Masterclass: Digital computers

About this Masterclass

Historically, fingers have always been used for counting. In fact, a standard pair of human hands with 10 fingers forms the basis of our decimal number system. Other systems include the modern hexadecimal, with base 16, and the historical vigesimal system used by the Ancient Mayans with base 20. One of the most important number systems is binary - a counting system at the heart of modern-day computers.

Counting on your fingers can be achieved in many ways - the ‘thumb first’ system is claimed to be widespread in continental Europe, while starting with the index finger is supposedly more popular in the UK and North America. 

Through the demonstrations and activities in this session, students will learn about ways that they too can be ‘digital computers’, magicians and binary decoders.

Length: 2 hours (see the session leader notes for ideas on how to shorten the Masterclass).

Resources needed

• Post-it notes cut into strips (for students to wrap and stick around fingertips) 
• Mind reading cards (printed from worksheet)
• Converting between binary and decimal worksheets - two sheets, one each per student
• ‘Counting in binary’ cheat sheet with fingers needed shown - as need
• Computer and data projector
• Optional extra: Writing your name in binary worksheet - one per student
• Further details of quantities etc. can be found in Session Leader Notes