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

a named piece of data stored in a computer’s memory

What is a variable in a computer program?

What is the label given to a variable called?

Decide what information you need to store.

Put these steps in order for using a variable in a project:

Who decides how a variable changes in a program?

The program adds 1 to the score variable.

Put these actions in order for changing a variable’s value during a game:

What is the character or object you can control in Scratch called?

starts a set of code blocks when something happens

the code inside runs over and over without stopping

What happens when you use a forever loop in Scratch?

Put these steps in order for making a sprite move when the green flag is clicked:

What is the purpose of the "repeat" block in Scratch?

Introducing variables

Lesson outcome