You Can Say That Again! - Text Compression

Computers only have a limited amount of space to hold information, so they need to represent information as efficiently as possible. This is called compression. By coding data before it is stored, and decoding it when it is retrieved, the computer can store more data, or send it faster through the Internet. This resource includes ideas teachers can use to introduce the topic in order to develop understanding of image representation followed by four activities to be used as reinforcement; You can say that again!, Extras for experts, Short and sweet and Extras for real experts. To conclude, there is more information detailing how computers store information followed by solutions and hints. This collection of twenty activities from Computer Science Unplugged is designed to aid the teaching and learning of computer science through engaging games and puzzles using cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.