Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Convert binary floating-point real numbers into denary and vice versa
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the IEEE 754 single‑precision format components (sign, exponent, mantissa).
  • Convert a 32‑bit binary floating‑point pattern to its decimal value.
  • Convert a decimal real number to a 32‑bit IEEE 754 binary pattern.
  • Identify common conversion pitfalls such as bias handling and the implicit leading 1.
  • Apply conversion skills to solve practice problems accurately.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides showing IEEE 754 format and examples
  • Worksheet with conversion exercises
  • Calculators or binary‑conversion app
  • Computers with a simple IDE or spreadsheet
  • Handout of the 32‑bit field diagram
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: Why can't integers represent very small or very large numbers accurately? Review the concept of scientific notation and link it to floating‑point representation. Explain that today’s success criteria are to correctly convert between binary floating‑point and decimal forms using the IEEE 754 single‑precision format.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students convert a simple binary integer to decimal to recall binary basics.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present IEEE 754 single‑precision fields, bias, and implicit leading 1 using slides.
  3. Guided practice (15') – Walk through Example 1 (binary → decimal) step‑by‑step, checking each field.
  4. Paired activity (15') – Students convert a given binary pattern to decimal and a decimal number to binary using the worksheet; teacher circulates.
  5. Common pitfalls discussion (5') – Highlight exponent bias, rounding, and special patterns; students correct a deliberately flawed conversion.
  6. Quick formative quiz (5') – Exit ticket with one conversion problem to assess understanding.
Conclusion:
Summarise the key steps for both conversion directions and remind students of the bias and implicit 1 rules. Collect the exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a set of three conversion problems for homework to reinforce the skill.