Homeschooling usually involves a combination of interest-led and parent-directed activities. As we search for ways to make math and our number system more meaningful to our children, the study of number bases becomes a recognized option. Popp (1985) claims that "the study of alternative number bases is important theoretically for it gives students an added understanding of base 10." ( p.41) Both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1989) and The American Association for the Advancement of Science (1993) state that by the end of the twelfth grade students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use base 2.

Base 2 (or the binary system) is important because it is the foundation of our computer technology. Computers communicate via the binary code which has its origins in the base 2 number system. Programming languages, such as Basic, start with a clear understanding of the base 2 system. By demonstrating the ability to convert from base 10 to base 2, children will learn one important skill which they can apply to more complex math and technology learning experiences.

The Third International Math and Science Study (TIMMS 1994-95) clearly demonstrates that we cannot afford to be complacent about any area in our children's math education (Table 1). Standards of math are no longer set by a parent, teacher, or even a country, but by the international community.

Table 1. International mathematics achievement of 8th graders. Source of scores: International Association for the Evaluation Achievement TIMSS (1994-1995).

In an informal survey of homeschooling families, many parents agreed that it is worth teaching base 2 as a separate unit, but none of their children had learned it yet. This may be because textbooks include base 2 at various grade levels. Homeschoolers very rarely follow a set of textbooks all the way through. They try different books at different levels in order to meet the needs of their individual children. Thus the section on bases is often missed out altogether.

A learning module on the binary system will fill a potential gap in curriculum, and also be a catalyst for further learning adventures in programming languages. Even if the purpose of learning base 2 is to gain insight into the limitations of computers, and the elegant simplicity of our own base 10 system the process is worthwhile.

American Association for the Advancement of Science. (1993). Benchmarks for Science Literacy. New York: Oxford University Press.

Beaton, A. E., I.V. S. Mullis, M. O. Martin, E. J. Gonzalez, D. L. Kelly, T. A. Smith. (1996). Mathematics Achievement in the Middle School Years: IEA's Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). (http://www.csteep.bc.edu/timss)

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.(1989). Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. (http://enc.org/online/NCTM/280dtoc1.html).

Popp, J. A. (1985). Hard working number bases for teachers. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 41-43

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