Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Add two positive 8-bit binary integers
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the binary numeral system and the range of values representable by an 8‑bit unsigned integer.
  • Apply binary addition rules to add two positive 8‑bit numbers column‑wise.
  • Determine whether a carry out of the most‑significant bit indicates overflow.
  • Convert the binary sum back to decimal to verify the result.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Worksheet with binary‑addition problems
  • Printed 8‑bit binary cards or strips
  • Calculator (optional) for decimal checks
  • Teacher‑prepared slide showing addition rules and overflow
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Binary arithmetic underpins every digital device, so today’s hook asks students to guess how a computer adds numbers. We quickly review the base‑2 system and how an 8‑bit byte stores values 0‑255. Success criteria: students will correctly add two 8‑bit numbers and identify any overflow.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Convert two given decimal numbers to 8‑bit binary on mini‑whiteboards; teacher checks for correct padding.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Review binary addition rules and the concept of overflow using a projected slide.
  3. Guided practice (15') – Walk through the worked example (45 + 78) step‑by‑step, aligning bits and tracking carries.
  4. Pair activity (15') – Students use binary cards to add 120 + 95, record the sum, and decide if overflow occurs; teacher circulates for support.
  5. Whole‑class debrief (5') – Share answers, discuss common errors, and convert the binary sum back to decimal.
  6. Exit ticket (5') – One short question asking students to predict overflow for a new pair of numbers.
Conclusion:
We recap the binary addition process, the role of carries, and how to detect overflow. Students submit their exit tickets and receive a brief homework task: complete three additional 8‑bit addition problems, indicating any overflow. This reinforces the day’s learning and prepares them for the next lesson on two’s‑complement arithmetic.