Using selection to control the flow of a program
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a loop to repeatedly check whether a condition has been met.
Key learning points
- Coding projects can have conditions and actions.
- A condition being met can be used to start an action.
- Selection can be used to control the flow of a program.
Keywords
Condition - a statement that can be either True or False
Selection - part of a program where if a condition is met, then a set of commands is run
Common misconception
If… then… statements can be checked once in a program.
An if... then... statement can be made to repeatedly check a condition by using a forever loop.
Teacher tip
Use live demonstrations of the Crumble programming software to support understanding and encourage pupil questions about selection and control.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a microcontroller, crocodile clips, battery packs, Sparkle LEDs and push button switches. Examples in this lesson use Crumble https://oak.link/crumble
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a condition in programming?
Q2.What does a conditional loop do?
Q3.Which of these is an example of a condition?
Q4.What is the purpose of a microcontroller?
Q5.What does True mean in programming?
Q6.Put these steps in order to program a microcontroller.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to their examples.
If the button is pressed, ...
If the temperature is below 20°C, turn on the heater.
The light is on.
The button is not pressed.
Q2.What type of loop repeatedly checks a condition?
Q3.What is a condition in programming?
Q4.What is selection in programming?
Q5.What is the purpose of an if… then… statement?
Q6.Selection allows a program to make decisions by checking a .
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Using selection to control the flow of a program, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Using selection to control the flow of a program, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Exploring selection in physical computing unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.