Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Understand how and why hexadecimal is used as a beneficial method of data representation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the relationship between binary bits and hexadecimal digits.
  • Convert binary numbers to hexadecimal and vice‑versa using the nibble‑grouping method.
  • Explain why hexadecimal is advantageous for memory addresses, machine code, and colour values.
  • Apply hex conversion to interpret sample memory addresses and colour codes.
  • Evaluate the usefulness of hexadecimal in debugging and data representation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed binary‑to‑hex conversion tables
  • Worksheet with conversion exercises
  • Laptops with a simple IDE or coding environment
  • Handouts showing memory addresses and colour codes
  • Markers and whiteboard
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of a long string of binary digits and ask students how they would make it easier to read. Recall that they already know binary and the concept of bits and nibbles. Explain that today they will discover a compact notation—hexadecimal—and will be able to translate between the two forms, which will be the success criteria.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write down the displayed binary number and note its length – checks prior binary knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce base‑16, show the 4‑bit to hex mapping, and discuss why hex shortens binary.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Demonstrate grouping binary into nibbles, padding, and converting using the table (example B72).
  4. Pair activity (15'): Worksheet conversion problems; students check each other while teacher circulates.
  5. Real‑world link (8'): Explore memory addresses (e.g., 0x3F2A) and colour codes (#FF5733); students convert between representations.
  6. Quick check (5'): Exit ticket – convert 110101101001 to hex and state one advantage of using hex.
Conclusion:
Summarise that one hex digit represents four bits, making binary data more manageable and aligning with byte‑oriented architecture. Students complete an exit ticket converting a binary number and stating one benefit of hexadecimal. For homework, assign additional binary‑to‑hex conversions and a short reflection on how hex simplifies reading memory addresses.