Valentine’s Day Coding Projects

Code you be mine?

If you want to scale up Valentine’s Day celebrations this year and throw in some tech based fun try coded message valentines with binary code and morse code! This Valentine’s Day project is one the kids are sure to remember for a long time!  Instead of plain old valentines we are going to have the kids write and translate both binary code and morse code valentine messages! This is hands on, active critical thinking, problem solving, fun and who wouldn’t love that! This is appropriate for kids from probably 3rd grade straight up through high school!

Teach Kids Binary Code and Morse Code
with a Valentine’s Day Card Project

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Before we get started, we created a special set of worksheets for you to use with your classroom. These include both the Morse Code and Binary Code Alphabets for your students to work from. This worksheet is available to all mailing list subscribers. Simply enter your email to unlock.

What is Binary Code? 

Binary code is used by computers to sequence instructions for how to run. 

Let’s break it down in the word Binary – Bi means two.  Binary is something consisting of 2 parts – in the case of code, the bi is talking about zeros, and ones, which are the only two numbers that make up binary code.  When you look at the binary alphabet each sequence of eight numbers represents a letter in the alphabet. For example, 01000001 is the binary letter capital A.

You can think of it like a game of red – green light. We know that when we hear “red light” we stop. When we hear “green light” we go.  When you’re looking at the whole binary alphabet it can look a little overwhelming – but kids and adults alike can quickly grasp the concept when we tie it to a real life project like Valentine’s Day message!

Learn more about Binary Code here.

What is Morse Code?

Morse Code is a kind of communication that is transmitted using dots and dashes or long and short sound signals or long and short light flashes. These sequences represent letters and numbers. With Morse Code, each letter or number is translated into its own sequence of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). These signals can be sent with sound, light, or even physical touch or even on paper.  The Morse in Morse code refers to Samuel Morse, an American inventor and painter who co-developed the telegraph system and the code.  This is a fun way to tie history and science together for students to explore historical coding systems while enjoying the valentine holiday!  

Learn more about Morse Code here.

Binary vs. Morse Code

Are both kinds of code the same? No, while both Binary Code and Morse Code are methods of communication, they are really different in their main purpose. True Binary Code is digital and relies on electrical signals to communicate with computers, whereas Morse Code is analog and uses sound or light to convey messages to humans. Explaining the difference between the two will give kids a broader appreciation for how communication systems have changed over time.

Valentine’s Day Coding Craft Project

What do you need?  

Blank cardstock or construction paper
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Stickers, glitter, and other decorations
Binary Code alphabet chart
Morse Code chart
Small beads or stickers (optional, for encoding messages)

How do we do it? 

First, I like to start with a worksheet that has a secret message from me, some jokes or riddles or clues to a game in the classroom along with the printed binary and morse code. Then, students can translate the message. I feel like this gives the students a chance to see the code in action without trying to figure it out on their own first.

Another fun activity for Morse Code is to flip the lights on and off and have the kids write whether it was a short flip or a long flip with dashes and dots and then have them decode the message with their guide. It gives a visual of what we’re talking about and I feel like it is simpler for kids to understand the visual of the lights than the sound of the beeps. If you have students who might be sensitive to light flashes, try using a finger tap for dots and a palm tap for dashes. 

Let’s Make Valentine Cards

Plan Your Card Design

Start by brainstorming Valentine’s Day card ideas. Will the card feature Binary Code, Morse Code, or both? If the card is for their parents or a loved one, kids could write “I Love You” in Binary Code or Morse Code as the centerpiece of their design.  If it’s for classmates maybe a pun like CODE YOU BE MINE or WE JUST CLICK

Add Binary Code Messages

Use the Binary Code alphabet chart to translate simple Valentine’s Day card messages into code. I suggest doing this on scrap paper so their cards don’t have any mistakes.  Write the code neatly on the card. 

Or Incorporate Morse Code

Using the Morse Code chart, kids can write a message like – CAN WE BE BUDS, WE ARE LIKE WIFI ALWAYS CONNECTED, ERROR 404 – NO BETTER FRIEND FOUND in dots and dashes. 

Decorate

Encourage kids to unleash their creativity. Add glitter, stickers, or drawings to make the card festive and fun. For a geeky Valentine’s flair, try adding computer- or tech-themed stickers.

Share the Meaning

Include a small key on the back of the card that explains what the Binary Code or Morse Code message means. For example, “The message on the front says ‘I Love You’ in Binary Code!” or a small printout of the codes so the recipient can decipher their own message! Small codes cutouts as well as worksheets are available here: Binary & Morse Code Worksheets and Code Sheets

Get Technical

These are fun to make in a platform like Google Slides as well. This makes it easy for kids to email their Valentine’s Day Coding Cards to family and friends far away. They could even incorporate them into a cool Stop Motion project for your really technically inclined STEM students.  

This project blends creativity, history, and technology in a way that’s engaging for kids in a wide range of ages. They get to code and decode messages, learn about the basics of two coding systems, and create something special to share.

These DIY Valentine’s Day cards also make great cards for school or family exchanges, providing a unique twist on traditional card-giving. 

Want another cool Valentine’s idea? Try our Invisible Ink Valentine’s with Secret Messages.

Kids will love designing their own cards while learning to write and decipher messages in Binary Code and Morse Code. It’s a Valentine’s idea that’s as fun as it is meaningful, and it’s sure to make everyone smile. So gather your materials and get ready to craft some truly memorable Valentine’s Day cards!