Context of the Standard

Similar to humans, computers need a format in which to receive, interpret, and manipulate information. Computers use numeric values to store information and perform operations.  Information inputted into the computer from various components must be converted into numeric values in order for the computer to use the information and perform functions.  Once the function is completed, the numeric values must be converted to a form of output that the user can understand.  This output may be in the form of words, images, videos, or sounds.

Examples of different ways non-numeric information such as letters or colors can be expressed include the use of different protocols such as binary, ASCII, or RGB.

Students are not expected to apply these protocols in fifth grade.

Essential Skills

Essential Questions

Essential Vocabulary

Students should demonstrate these skills:

• Understand that computers use numeric values to represent non-numeric ideas.
• Give an example of when numeric values can be used to represent non-numeric ideas.
• Apply using numeric values to represent non-numeric ideas to in a real-world example.

Students should investigate these concepts:

• What is a numeric value?
• What are some examples of how numbers are used to represent non-numeric ideas in the computer?
• Why are numbers used to represent non-numeric ideas in the computer?
• Why does a computer convert input into a different format?

Students should apply these terms in context:

• Binary
• Pixel
• ASCII