Binary Numbers

Description: A simple battery-powered light box demonstrates how to transmit images and other scientific data collected by astronomical spacecraft.

Objective: To use the binary number system to transmit data as astronomical spacecraft do to Earth.


Materials:

Project box
Battery holder (4 D or C-cells)
2 Push button switches (momentary on)
2 Flashlight bulb sockets
2 Flashlight bulbs
Bell wire
Wire cutter/stripper
Drill and bits (size depends upon specifications for buttons and light sockets)
Screwdriver (to tighten screws for project box lid)
Binary code and data sheets*
Pencils*
* One per student

Procedure:

1. Following the wiring diagram on the next page, assemble the binary light box. If you do not have time to construct the box yourself, ask a student volunteer to assemble the box at home or ask a technology education teacher to have one of his or her students assemble it as a project.

2. Explain how astronomical spacecraft use the binary system to transmit, via radio waves, images and other scientific data from spacecraft to Earth. Refer to the discussion section for details on how the system works.

3. Distribute the data sheet and substitution code page to every student. Tap out a six number sequence of the push buttons on the binary light box. It may be necessary to dim the classroom lights. As the lights flash, each student should check off the appropriate box in the practice column. To make sense later, the students must check off the boxes representing green or red flashes in the exact sequence of the flashing lights. Refer to the sample on the next page to see how to make the checks. Note: If you have students who are color blind, be sure to identify which light is which. Substitute two solid state

Next page Teacher Resources


Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://windows2universe.org/ from the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA). The Website was developed in part with the support of UCAR and NCAR, where it resided from 2000 - 2010. © 2010 National Earth Science Teachers Association. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of NESTA. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer.