Mind-Reading Magic

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In this activity, learners recreate a method of detecting and correcting errors in computers called 'parity'. Learners will wow your friends with what looks like a 'mind reading magic trick' on the surface, but is actually a method for how computers detect errors using binary digits. Activity includes step-by-step instructions with pictures, a video demonstration of the trick, an explanation of what is going on, and extensions. This activity uses low cost materials and can be done at home.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 36 double sided cards or puzzle pieces for which it’s easy to identify if they are face-up or face-down. Examples: Squares cut from food packaging boxes (printed outside vs plain inside), paper (coloured one side vs plain)
  • A flat area to lay out the cards

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Computing
      • Computer Science

Informal Categories

  • Computers

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • CS Unplugged At Home

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • University of Canterbury
  • Google
  • Microsoft