The Card Flip Magic trick helps to demonstrate how computers can detect errors in the binary data it sends and receives using parity checks. You can use regular playing card decks for this trick. You can have the back of the cards represent the binary state of 1 and the front of the cards representing the binary state of 0. Be sure to practice this trick ahead of time, so you can amaze and astonish!Â
1 deck of cards per 2-4 students
Check out the activity instructions on GoOpenVA.
What are some examples of data you send from a computer? Why is it important to you that it arrives without error? Can you think of a way your data might get corrupted?
What happens if two or more cards are flipped?
In this trick, something called even parity is used. Can the trick be done with odd parity?