Lesson Plan

• Describe positional value in binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal.
• Convert numbers between binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal using standard methods.
• Apply two’s complement to represent signed integers in binary.
• Explain the basic components of IEEE‑754 floating‑point representation.
• Use a 4‑bit conversion table to translate quickly between number systems.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed conversion worksheets
• Binary/hexadecimal cards for hands‑on activity
• Calculator (optional)
• Student laptops with spreadsheet software
• Whiteboard markers

Begin with a quick poll: “Which number system does your smartphone use internally?” Connect this to students’ existing knowledge of decimal counting and outline today’s success criteria: students will accurately convert among binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal, and explain signed and floating‑point representations.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students write binary equivalents for five given decimal numbers on mini‑whiteboards.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain positional value, why computers use binary, and introduce octal & hex as shorthand.
3. Guided conversion practice (12') – Whole‑class work through binary↔decimal, binary↔octal, and binary↔hex using the 4‑bit table.
4. Two’s complement activity (8') – Students convert a set of positive and negative decimals to 8‑bit two’s complement using a step‑by‑step worksheet.
5. Floating‑point overview (5') – Demonstrate the IEEE‑754 single‑precision layout and discuss its real‑world relevance.
6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: convert a random number between systems and state its signed representation.

Recap the key conversion shortcuts and the purpose of two’s complement and floating‑point formats. Collect exit tickets as a quick retrieval check. For homework, assign a worksheet requiring students to convert a mixed list of numbers and represent a negative integer in two’s complement.