New
New
Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Data structures
I can describe and compare data structures.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Data structures are used to help store, organise and manipulate data to solve problems efficiently.
- Arrays are static data structures that can store data of a single type in indexed elements.
- Lists are dynamic data structures that can store data of different types in indexed elements.
- The choice of data structure depends on the specific needs of the algorithm or problem.
Keywords
Data structure - a way of organising and storing data in a computer
Composite - something made of various parts or elements
Dynamic data structure - a data structure where the size and memory allocation can change as a program runs
Static data structure - a data structure with a fixed size and memory allocation that is set before a program runs
Common misconception
Arrays are always the best choice for storing and accessing collections of data.
While arrays offer efficient direct access to elements using their index, they have limitations, such as fixed size and potential inefficiency in terms of unused elements.
Encourage learners to consider how they organise and store their own everyday data in the physical world such as calendars, to-do lists, sports scores, etc. and how they would store this data in a computer program.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is computational thinking?
What is computational thinking?
a way to write computer programs
a tool for debugging code
a type of programming language
Q2.What is pseudocode?
What is pseudocode?
a programming language
symbols used in flowcharts
a type of computer program
Q3.What does a flowchart represent?
What does a flowchart represent?
a computer program in plain language
a trace table for debugging
the file size of an image
Q4.What is the process of identifying and fixing errors in a computer program called?
What is the process of identifying and fixing errors in a computer program called?
Q5.A shopping is used to organise items you need to buy, such as milk, bread and eggs.
A shopping is used to organise items you need to buy, such as milk, bread and eggs.
Q6.Which of the following is an example of a list in everyday life?
Which of the following is an example of a list in everyday life?
a single number written on a piece of paper
a random number generated by a computer
a single item on a to-do list
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for a sequence of characters, such as a name, password or email address?
What is the term for a sequence of characters, such as a name, password or email address?
Q2.What is a data structure?
What is a data structure?
a type of programming language
a tool used to debug programs
a method for writing algorithms
Q3.What is a static data structure?
What is a static data structure?
a structure that only stores numerical data
a structure that is independent of memory allocation
a structure with a size that can change during program execution
Q4.What is a dynamic data structure?
What is a dynamic data structure?
a structure that stores only one type of data
a structure with a fixed size
a structure that does not use memory
Q5.Which of the following is an example of a static data structure?
Which of the following is an example of a static data structure?
list
dynamic array
linked list
Q6.What is the term for a structure made of various parts or elements?
What is the term for a structure made of various parts or elements?
