15 minutes or less

Decode a Hidden Message!

This activity will help you understand the concept of binary code, which is very important to how computers work. You will learn to decode hidden messages in binary (a system of 1s and 0s) by turning them into human words. This activity provides a hands-on understanding of the basic language that covers all digital communication and computing processes.

Let’s get started! 

Digital Literacy
Illustrated image of eight children sitting around a table, learning together on laptops

How to Prepare: 

Collect the following items before you begin:

  • Paper
  • Pencil (or something erasable so you can correct your work if needed)
  • Binary Code Alphabet Legend shown below in both upper and lowercase
    • A    =    1000001      a = 01100001
      B    =    1000010      b = 01100010
      C    =    1000011       c = 01100011
      D    =    1000100      d = 01100100
      E    =    1000101        e = 01100101
      F    =    1000110        f = 01100110
      G    =    1000111        g = 01100111
      H    =    1001000      h = 01101000
      I      =    1001001       i = 01101001
      J    =    1001010        j = 01101010
      K    =    1001011         k = 01101011
      L    =    1001100        l = 01101100
      M    =    1001101       m = 01101101
      N    =    1001110        n = 01101110
      O    =    1001111         o = 01101111
      P    =    1010000      p = 01110000
      Q    =    1010001      q = 01110001
      R    =    1010010       r = 01110010
      S    =    1010011        s = 01110011
      T    =    1010100       t = 01110100
      U    =    1010101        u = 01110101
      V    =    1010110        v = 01110110
      W    =    1010111        w = 01110111
      X    =    1011000       x = 01111000
      Y    =    1011001        y = 01111001
      Z    =    1011010        z = 01111010

Let’s Get Started!

Binary code is a way of writing messages using only two numbers: 1 and 0. Each letter of the alphabet is a unique code that’s eight (8) digits long, made up of  different combinations of only 0’s and 1’s. 
                      <Alphabet legend graphic here>

Step 1:  Decode the Hidden Message. Below is a message written in binary 1’s and 0’s. Use the binary code legend chart to translate each group of 8 numbers and write down the letter. Repeat this step for each of the binary letters.

        Hidden Message:

  • 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111
  • 01010011 01100101 01100011 01110010 01100101 01110100 00100000 01101101 01100101 01110011 01110011 01100001 01100111 01100101
  • 01001110 01101111 01110111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 00100000 01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001 00100000 01100011 01101111 01100100 01100101

Step 2: Write Your Own Hidden Message. Think of a simple message or word and write it down. Use the binary code chart to write your message in binary code. Make sure each group of 8 numbers has a space or an underscore (_) between them so it’s easier to read.

Step 3: Decode a Friend’s Message. Swap your binary-coded message with a friend. Use the binary code chart to decode your friend’s message.

💡Tips:

  • Take your time. Binary code can seem confusing at first.
  • Double-check your binary code chart to make sure you are decoding and writing messages correctly.
  • Work with a friend to help each other out.

Congratulations, you completed decoding the hidden message!

How it works:

Computers use binary code because deep down, they can only understand on (1) and off (0) signals. Using special combinations of 1’s and 0’s, they create letters and words, just like you did in this activity!

    🤔 Thinking About the Activity, Ask Yourself:

  • How did it feel to use binary code?
  • Was it fun? 
  • Was it tricky?
  • Why do you think computers use binary code?

This activity is inspired by:

Logics Academy