13
Encoding information
Textbook: pp. 33–35
GoalKnow what a code is and ways to encode information (symbols, pictures, sound, signals).
New words
code · kodencoding · kodlashsign, symbol · belgimusical note · nota
Explanation
A code is a set of signs, symbols or signals used to write information down. Presenting information with a code is called encoding. Language is also a code: words and sentences are clear to us because we know the language. Music is encoded with notes, road rules with road signs, marks with numbers, and the start of a lesson with a bell.
Worked examples
The three colours of a traffic light are a signal code: red — stop, yellow — get ready, green — go.
Braille is a code of raised dots for blind people: they “read” letters with their fingers.
Class activity
“Team code”: in teams, each team encodes its name with pictures (for example, “Suns” — a circle with rays). The other teams decode it.
Practice
1
What are music sounds encoded with?
notes
2
What information does the school bell encode?
the lesson has started or ended
3
Encoding with pictures is called what: symbolic or graphic?
graphic encoding