Teacher Guide

Suggested teaching time
Based on a total time allocation of 130 contact hours for this Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Computer Science 
course, it is recommended that this unit should take about 10 hours.

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Appendix B:
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Syllabus ref
Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
1.1.1
• understand binary notation 
and to convert denary 
numbers to and from binary
Teacher presentation to introduce the concepts of 
binary notation, e.g. using an automatic binary counter; 
binary number cards available (with worksheets etc.). 
(W)
Learners convert denary numbers into binary and 
binary numbers into denary 
(I); reinforce with a game 
such as the Cisco binary game. 
(G) This provides 
formative assessment of understanding. 
Learners answer previous exam/textbook questions 
on binary representation. 
(I)
Binary counter – for example:
www.mathsisfun.com/binary-decimal-
hexadecimal-converter.html
Binary numbers at Computer Studies 
Unplugged: 
http://csunplugged.org/binary-numbers
Cisco binary game: 
http://forums.cisco.com/CertCom/game/
binary_game_page.htm
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies Revision 
Book Chp 11.4 – sample questions in 11.6
1.1.1
• recognise the use of binary 
numbers in computer 
systems
Teacher presents the concept of the byte; class 
discussion about how the byte is used to measure 
memory size by introducing the concept of kb, Mb, 
Gb, Tb. 
(W)
Class brainstorm to refl ect on capacity of commonly 
found elements of computer systems such as hard 
disk drives, RAM, DVD, USB fl ash drives etc. (refer 
back to Unit 1 – types of memory).