New
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Lesson 6 of 6
Problem solving using programming constructs
I can combine sequence, selection and iteration in a program to solve a problem.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
Problem solving using programming constructs
I can combine sequence, selection and iteration in a program to solve a problem.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The programming constructs of sequence, selection and iteration can be combined to make more complex programs.
- Analysing a problem involves decomposing it into its constituent parts.
- Algorithms can be developed to solve a problem.
- A problem can be solved in multiple ways.
Keywords
Problem - a situation or task that needs to be solved
Decomposition - breaking down a problem into smaller parts to make the task more manageable
Solution - a means of solving a problem
Common misconception
Programming constructs cannot be combined in the same code block.
The programming constructs of sequence, selection and iteration can be combined within the same code block to make more complex programs.
In this lesson pupils are asked to develop their own dance moves for the sprite. A sample plan is provided for modelling in the slide deck, but pupils should be encoruaged to design their own solution.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use Scratch https://oak.link/scratch
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
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6 Questions
Q1.Which of these instructions is not a subroutine?
Which of these instructions is not a subroutine?
Q2.In computing, repeatedly executing instructions is known as ...
In computing, repeatedly executing instructions is known as ...
selection
sequence
Q3. is the process of finding an error in your code and taking steps to fix the problem.
is the process of finding an error in your code and taking steps to fix the problem.
Q4.What is repeatedly running a sequence of instructions a set number of times known as?
What is repeatedly running a sequence of instructions a set number of times known as?
condition-controlled iteration
Q5.What value would be held by the ‘name1’ variable and the ‘name2’ variable at the end of this program?
What value would be held by the ‘name1’ variable and the ‘name2’ variable at the end of this program?
name1 = Laura name2 = Sam
name1 = Sam name2 = Laura
name1 = Laura name2 = Laura
Q6.When the value of a variable is updated in a program, it's previous value is ...
When the value of a variable is updated in a program, it's previous value is ...
saved
Q1 image 1 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 2 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 3 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 4 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q5 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.The three main programming constructs are sequence, selection and .
The three main programming constructs are sequence, selection and .
Q2.Breaking a large problem down into smaller, more manageable parts is known as ...
Breaking a large problem down into smaller, more manageable parts is known as ...
iteration
algorithmic thinking
Q3.Which programming construct is used in this code block?
Which programming construct is used in this code block?
iteration
decomposition
Q4.Which programming construct is used in this code block?
Which programming construct is used in this code block?
selection
decomposition
Q3 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q4 Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratch.org. OR ScratchJr is a project of the Scratch Foundation. It is available for free at https://scratchjr.org. OR Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0