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

the data a variable holds at a particular time

to track the value a variable holds at any time during a program

Program variables

Computing

Sequence

Selection

Operators

Count-controlled iteration

Problem solving using programming constructs

In this unit pupils will build their confidence and knowledge of the key programming constructs (sequence, iteration, selection and variables). Learners will use Scratch to explore the key programming constructs firstly through editing pre-existing code and then by developing their own programs.

Using fundamental programming constructs in a block-based language

How many values can a variable hold at any one time?

When a variable is changed, what happens to the value?

What is the name of the built-in variable in Scratch that holds user input?

Which block can be used to combine a variable and a message in Scratch?

True or false? A subroutine can only be called once in a program.

Which word describes the order in which commands are run during a program?

What colour is the variables block in Scratch?

In a bat and ball game, which of these parts of the game would be stored using a variable? 

When is the value of a variable usually set?

Program variables

Lesson outcome