3.6.1 Introduction: Why Use Pixel Art?

Computers represent digital images using pixels, and each pixel has a binary value that defines its color. This activity helps students understand:

• How images are stored and displayed in a computer.
• How binary numbers are used in graphics representation.
• The importance of resolution and color depth in digital images.

By creating pixel art with binary codes, students apply theoretical knowledge from previous sections (3.4 on images and pixels) in a fun, hands-on exercise.

3.6.2 Understanding the Basics of Pixel Art in Binary

1) What is Pixel Art?

• Pixel art is a digital art form where images are created using small square units (pixels).
• Each pixel is assigned a value in binary to represent its color.
• For example, in black-and-white (monochrome) images:
  • 0 = White
  • 1 = Black
• For grayscale or color images, we can assign more binary bits per pixel.

2) How Computers Store Pixel Art

• Every pixel in a digital image has a binary code that represents its color.
• The more bits used per pixel, the more colors can be represented.
• Example of pixel representation:
  • 1-bit per pixel (black and white): 0 = white, 1 = black.
  • 4-bit per pixel (16 colors): Uses 0000 to 1111 to define shades.
  • 8-bit per pixel (256 colors): Uses 00000000 to 11111111 to define more colors.

3) Resolution and Image Size

• Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image.
• Higher resolution = more detail but requires more storage space.
• Example:
  • Low resolution: 8 × 8 pixels (64 pixels total).
  • High resolution: 32 × 32 pixels (1024 pixels total).

3.6.3 Instructions for the Pixel Art Activity

Step 1: Prepare Materials

• Graph paper (or use a digital grid-based tool like Excel or Google Sheets).
• Pencil/pen (or colored markers for better visualization).
• Binary reference chart (for students to understand how color codes work).

Step 2: Choose a Simple Pixel Art Design

• Students can create their own design or select from examples.
• Recommended small designs (e.g., 8 × 8 grid):
  • A smiley face 🙂
  • A heart shape ❤️
  • A simple character or object (house, tree, etc.).

Step 3: Assign Binary Values to Pixels

• Option 1: Black & White (1-bit per pixel)
  • Each pixel is either black (1) or white (0).

Example:
00011000

00111100

01111110

01100110

00111100

00011000

• Option 2: 4-bit Color Coding
  • Assign 4-bit binary values to each pixel for 16 colors.
  • Example:
    • 0000 = White
    • 0001 = Black
    • 0010 = Red
    • 0011 = Blue
    • 0100 = Green
  • If drawing a red heart, students might assign pixels with “0010” (red).

Step 4: Draw and Color the Grid

• Students color each square based on the binary values assigned.
• The final grid should form a recognizable shape or object.

Step 5: Convert the Image into Binary Code

• Students write out the binary code for each row.
• The final output should look like a binary matrix that a computer could use to store the image.

3.6.4 Example of a Completed Pixel Art and Its Binary Code

Let’s create an 8 × 8 smiley face using 1-bit per pixel (black and white).

Pixel Art Grid:

⬜⬛⬛⬜⬜⬛⬛⬜
⬛⬜⬜⬛⬛⬜⬜⬛
⬛⬜⬜⬛⬛⬜⬜⬛
⬜⬛⬛⬜⬜⬛⬛⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬛⬛⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬛⬜⬜⬜⬜⬛⬜
⬜⬜⬛⬛⬛⬛⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜

Binary Code Representation:

01100110

10011001

10011001

01100110

00011000

01000010

00111100

00000000

(Each row of 8 pixels is written as an 8-bit binary number.)

A computer could read this binary sequence and reconstruct the smiley face image!

3.6.5 Why Is This Activity Important?

• Hands-on learning: Students apply theoretical knowledge in a creative way.
• Understanding real-world applications: Similar concepts are used in video game sprites, pixel animations, and digital displays.
• Develops problem-solving skills: Encourages logical thinking by encoding and decoding visual data.

3.6.6 Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ Digital images are made up of pixels, and each pixel is stored using binary values.
✅ Monochrome images use 1-bit per pixel, while colored images require more bits.
✅ Higher resolution means more pixels and better image quality, but increases storage size.
✅ Pixel art helps us understand how computers store, manipulate, and display digital images.

Looking Ahead

Now that students understand how binary codes represent images, they can explore:

• How color is stored in images (RGB model, 8-bit, 24-bit, etc.).
• How modern image formats (JPEG, PNG, BMP) store pixel data efficiently.
• How pixels work in video game design and digital animation.

This activity provides a solid foundation for future learning in digital graphics and computer science! 🎨💻