Computers are all about storing and moving information, but what actually is information? How do we measure the amount of information in a message?

This activity uses some intriguing variations on the game of 20 questions to demonstrate how we can quantify information content, which in turn shows us how to store and share it efficiently.

Other Resources

• Wikipedia: Information Theory
• Wikipedia: Claude Shannon
• Video mix of Claude Shannon juggling

Curriculum Links

An introduction to Shannon's information theory can transform the way students think about what they read and hear. In addition to exercising arithmetic and probability skills, this activity can prompt thinking and discussion about the difference between information and data. How much of what we read or hear actually makes a difference? How much attention should we pay to people who only tell us what we already know?

New Zealand Curriculum Achievement Objectives

• Mathematics Level 1: Probability
  • Investigate situations that involve elements of chance, acknowledging and anticipating possible outcomes.
• Mathematics Level 1: Equations and expressions
  • Communicate and explain counting, grouping, and equal-sharing strategies, using words, numbers, and pictures.

ACM K12 Model Curriculum

• Level I (Grades 6-8) Topic 9: Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, algorithms, and their practical applications.

Great Principles of Computer Science

• Communication