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Binary Clock

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Edit the Vertical Column Binary Clock MicroSim

Description

This MicroSim displays the current time using binary representation with vertical LED columns. Each column represents a digit of the time (hours, minutes, seconds), with illuminated LEDs indicating binary 1s.

Key features:

  • Real-time clock synchronized to local system time
  • Vertical column layout for each digit
  • Visual LED representation (lit = 1, unlit = 0)
  • Hours, minutes, and seconds display

How to Use

  1. Read each column from bottom to top as binary digits
  2. The bottom LED represents 2^0 (1), next is 2^1 (2), then 2^2 (4), and 2^3 (8)
  3. Add the values of lit LEDs to get the decimal digit
  4. Time is displayed as HH:MM:SS in binary

Alternative Versions

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Convert binary numbers to decimal values
  • Read time from a binary clock display
  • Explain the place value system in binary (powers of 2)

Target Audience

  • Grade level: Middle school to high school (grades 6-12)
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of binary numbers

Activities

  1. Exploration Activity: Practice reading the current time from the binary display
  2. Guided Investigation: Calculate what binary pattern will show at specific times (e.g., 12:34:56)
  3. Extension Activity: Design your own binary clock layout or add color coding

Assessment

  • Can students correctly read the time from the binary display?
  • Can students predict the binary pattern for a given time?
  • Can students explain why 4 LEDs are sufficient for each digit?

References