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

Design a game that uses variables

Computing

Introducing variables

Updating and changing values in a variable

Improving a game

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

You might get confused or miss important steps.

What might happen if you start coding without a design?

You don’t need to plan or design before coding.

Which statement about starting a project is incorrect?

What is the term for a precise set of ordered steps that can be followed to complete a task or solve a problem in computing?

to give clear steps for what the program should do

What is the purpose of an algorithm in a project?

Put these steps in order for designing a project:

What is the main reason to use selection in a program?

the data currently stored in the variable

What does the value of a variable represent?

The variable gets its value when something happens in the program.

What does it mean if a variable is set by an event?

What is the term for a symbol in programming that is used to compare two values, such as checking if one number is greater than another?

In Scratch, what is the shape of the blocks used for operators, such as those that compare values or perform calculations?

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

something that triggers code or sets a variable

Design a game that uses variables

Lesson outcome