Design to code

Computing

Introducing variables

Updating and changing values in a variable

Improving a game

Design a game that uses variables

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

Put these steps in order when creating a Scratch project:

What do you call the process of fixing errors in your code?

a variable can only hold one value at a time

What is the correct statement about variables?

What should you do if your program does not work as expected?

choosing what to call things that store values

making pictures or sprites for your project

building the instructions for your project

Match each action to the correct stage of a project:

at the very beginning and then never again

throughout the whole process of creating it

When is the best time to test your Scratch program?

Match each Scratch block type to what it controls:

What is a precise set of steps to solve a problem?

decide what information you need to store

Arrange the process for using variables in a Scratch project:

checks if a condition is true before running code

What does the “if” statement do in a Scratch project?

What is the main purpose of a design in programming?

Design to code

Lesson outcome