Base Numeration Systems and Introduction to Computer Programming.

This teaching guide is for the instructor of an introductory course in computer programming using FORTRAN language. Five FORTRAN programs are incorporated in this guide, which has been used as a FORTRAN IV SELF TEACHER. The base eight, base four, and base two concepts are integrated with FORTRAN computer programs, geoblock activities, and related exercises. Each statement of the first FORTRAN program is described in detail with suggested discussion questions and activities. (Subsequent programs are given without detail.) The FORTRAN programs included are: (1) change base eight numerals to base ten numerals, (2) determine the number of significant places for a given input data, (3) list the even numbers less than 200 for the base eight, (4) give the integral powers of ten in scientific notation, and (5) give the multiples of four in the base eight. Teaching suggestions include the modification of illustrated programs as well as activities for teaching of the design of a simple computer, unconditional and conditional transfer statements, and DO LOOPS. Fixed point (integer) system and floating point systems of computation in the digital computer are described. Problems with mathematical operation symbols complete the activities in the manual. (JBW)