to update the value of something in a program

a named piece of data stored in a computer’s memory which can be accessed and changed by a computer program

the label given to a variable so that the programmer knows what it is for

the numbers or text stored in a programming variable which can be used or changed

Introducing variables

Computing

Updating and changing values in a variable

Improving a game

Design a game that uses variables

Design to code

Improving and sharing

This unit explores the concept of variables in programming through the development of games. Pupils will investigate what variables are and relate them to real-world examples of values that can be set and changed. Then they use variables to create a simulation of a scoreboard.

Using variables in programming to develop a game

to give a variable a starting value in a program

the data stored in a programming variable which can be used or changed

a named value which will track player points

part of a program where, if a condition is met, then a set of commands is run

a plan that shows how a program should work

a precise set of ordered steps which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task

to run a program to check if it works the way that you planned

to make changes that make your project better based on feedback or reflection

to reflect on what has gone well and what you could improve in a project

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Using variables in programming to develop a game

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