Ordering commands
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise that the order of commands in a program can affect the output.
Key learning points
- Each sprite can have its own sound.
- The order of a sequence is important to achieve the intended outcome.
- Sound blocks can be used to play more than one note or sound at the same time.
Keywords
Order - the way things are arranged in a sequence
Notes - the duration and pitch of a sound
Chord - two or more notes played together at the same time
Common misconception
The order of a sequence in a program doesn't matter.
A computer will only follow the directions it is given. A program will follow the sequence it is given and the sequence will affect the output, even if this output is incorrect.
Teacher tip
Pupils were introduced to the concept of sequences in the previous lesson. Recall this information and get pupils to reflect on what would happen if the order of a sequence was different. In some sequences this isn't vital but in others it can mean the outcome is not as expected.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use Scratch https://oak.link/scratch
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Different sprites can have different sequences of events.
Q2.What type of code block is this?
Q3.If the order of a set of blocks is changed, the sequence changes.
Q4.A can be created to plan how something will look or work.
Q5.Which event block should be used if you want a project to run when it is started?
Q6.Lucas wants his sprite to go to a random position when the project is started and then turn clockwise 95 degrees. Which code block should he use?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.This sprite will have musical notes as a sound.
Q2.Put the following into the correct sequence.
Q3.By playing notes in a sequence you can create a .
Q4.Which sound block should you use if you want to play a chord?
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Ordering commands, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Ordering commands, 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 Programming sequence using sound unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.