The Badge Archive

Binary Bracelets

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Junior Cybersecurity Basics badge requirements.

Leaders can learn more about Binary Code Basics before teaching the code.

Items Needed

Instructions

  1. Explain that binary code is how computers communicate, using 0s and 1s to represent letters or characters.
  2. Scouts use the Binary Code Key on the printout to find the binary code for the first letter of their name.
  3. Using the strip with 8 boxes on the printout, scouts color in the boxes to match the binary code for their letter.
  4. After coloring, scouts cut out their strip to fit their wrist and tape it securely to wear as a bracelet.
  5. (Optional) Scouts can use additional sheets to add more bracelets with different letters for 2-3 total initials.
  6. Scouts show their bracelets to the group, and others try to guess their initials using the Binary Code Key.

Make Without Printout

Items Needed

  • Construction paper (1 strip per scout, about 8 inches long by 3–4 inches wide)
  • Safety scissors
  • Tape
  • Stickers
  • Markers
  • Binary Decoder Key by GSUSA (enough for scouts to view in small groups)

Instructions

  1. Scouts choose a color of construction paper and cut a strip about 8 inches long and 3–4 inches wide.
  2. Share that binary code is the computer’s language, using 0s and 1s to represent letters or characters.
  3. Scouts draw two sets of four empty boxes on their paper strip.
  4. Using a Binary Decoder Key, they fill in the boxes with the binary code for the first letter of their name.
  5. (Optional) They can add additional boxes to do two or three initials.
  6. Decorate the bracelet around the code with stickers and markers.
  7. Cut the bracelet to fit their wrist and tape it securely.
  8. Scouts show their bracelets to the group, and others try to guess their initials using the Binary Decoder Key.

Variations

  • Beaded Binary Bracelets
    • Provide string, pipe cleaners, or elastic bands, along with black and white beads (to represent 0s and 1s).
    • Scouts string beads in the binary code pattern for the first letter of their name. For example:
      • Black bead = 1
      • White bead = 0
    • Use a contrasting bead (e.g., red) as a spacer between two initials if they wish to include their full name.
    • Once done, tie or secure the ends to make a bracelet they can wear.
  • Binary Bracelets with Other Items
    • Use small items like buttons, pasta, or colored paper squares instead of beads.
    • Scouts can glue or thread these onto a base, such as a strip of fabric, string, or even pipe cleaners, to create their binary bracelets.

GSUSA VTK Disclaimer: Permission for use of Code.org activities is provided by Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to giving every student in every school the opportunity to learn computer science. See www.code.org.

Tia Kennard