Have you wanted to introduce simple computer-free coding ideas to your kids? Our Valentines Day coding activity is perfect! It’s also part of our 14 Days of STEM Valentine’s Day Countdown! Have you ever checked out the binary alphabet? It’s pretty cool especially if you have kids into coding games. Homemade science and STEM makes every day better.
COMPUTER FREE VALENTINES DAY CODING STEM ACTIVITY
Screen-free coding with a craft! The binary alphabet we used for our Valentines Day Coding project is actually easier to understand than you might think. I did a bit of research to better understand the binary alphabet, so I could share simple facts with my son.
Learn how the computer speaks and why A isn’t just A to the computer. It’s pretty cool and totally fun for kids who are into all things computers. It’s a great introduction to coding with a bit of hands-on play too.
We had seen a similar project done at school in a different grade, and he wanted to know more about it. This resource is terrific for explaining a bit about the Binary Alphabet. Plus it’s a great STEM activity for young kids!
FOLLOW ALONG WITH 14 Days of Valentine’s Day STEM countdown!
This is a really fun STEM craft for kids who aren’t necessarily into the crafty projects. There’s a specific purpose to the colors and patterns because you are using the binary alphabet code. A great hands-on way to explore coding without the computer and make a gift for a friend or family member.
VALENTINES DAY CODING SUPPLIES
- Pipe Cleaners
- Pony Beads
- 8 Bit Binary Alphabet (download below)
Alternative coding materials:
You can also try out code using LEGO pieces if you have a brick building fan!
Jewelry beads and twine can also be used to code fun bracelets.
Large safety pins and beads can be used to create friendship pins with an initial!
VALENTINES DAY CODING SET UP
I love this Valentine’s Day coding activity because it’s all about patterns, art, and STEM.
First, you need to pick a color to represent the number 1 and pick a color to represent the number 0.
You also need to pick a different color bead to separate letters. These are really just spacers.
A good thing to keep in mind is that each letter in the binary alphabet is pretty long. Each letter consists of a pattern containing 8 digits called bits.
You might consider starting with short words as all those digits fill up space quickly!
We fit three and four-letter words on our single pipe cleaner heart. You can attach more pipe cleaners together for longer words.
VALENTINES DAY CODING ACTIVITY SET UP
First, you want to bend a pipe cleaner in half to form the bottom of the heart.
Second, pick your first letter and thread the appropriate color beads onto the pipe cleaner. You will have to maneuver this set of beads past the bend as well as a few beads of the next letter. Continue threading your letters using the binary alphabet.
Make sure to separate the letters with a bead!
We used these words: MOM, DAD, SON, and LOVE for our Valentine’s coding activity!
Once you have completed your word, simply bend the ends in towards each other and twist. You can shape your heart as you go. This is the word LOVE below.
My son is holding the word “LOVE” which he made along with SON for our Valentines Day coding project. I made the words MOM and DAD. I would love to get some ribbon and making a hanging decoration out of all four beaded hearts!
This is an awesome, playful way to play with the Binary Alphabet and a great introduction to computer coding!
EASY VALENTINES DAY CODING ACTIVITY WITH PRETTY BEADED HEARTS!
We have evne more awesome activities ready to go for Valentines Day! If you are looking for physics and chemistry ideas, check out what we have going on below! We also have more coding fun with LEGO and printable algorithm games.
VALENTINES DAY PHYSICS ACTIVITIES
Also make sure to check out our Valentine’s chemistry activities.
You can also check out computer free coding with LEGO!
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valentines day 2018
February 3, 2018 at 8:10 pmbeautiful
Kathy
February 4, 2018 at 2:44 pmThe binary alphabet is composed of EIGHT bits, not seven. Capital and lower-case letters are different.
Your chart is incorrect, as is the statement that the binary alphabet is composed of seven bits.
The resource that you’ve cited states this clearly:
“… computers don’t use the letter A. They use the eight character binary number 01000001 to represent A. This binary numbers tutorial describes what binary numbers are and how to calculate them.”
littlebins
February 4, 2018 at 5:24 pmIt was originally defined as a 7 digit code and there are extension son the alphabet that are 8 digits. I will update to include a printable 8 bit version.
sh imran
April 20, 2018 at 4:01 amThanks for the lovely ideas
msmelsawesomedaycare@gmail.colm
January 30, 2019 at 7:52 pmwe are going to use this I don’t care about the 7 bit, but I just wanted to suggest that you put your sitename on the paper so we can find you again. 🙂 thank you!