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Year 4

Create an algorithm for a text-based program

I can create a program in a text-based language.

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New
New
Year 4

Create an algorithm for a text-based program

I can create a program in a text-based language.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An algorithm can be used to guide the design of a program.
  2. Algorithms are written to plan a program's outcome.
  3. Code can be based on algorithms to produce an outcome.

Keywords

  • Debug - to find and fix errors in a program

  • Syntax - the rules about how a programming language should be written

  • Algorithm - a precise sequence of steps that can be followed to do a task

Common misconception

If the program runs, it must be correct.

Explain that a program can run but still be wrong if it doesn’t match the intended outcome. Debugging ensures accuracy.


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Create an algorithm for a text-based program, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You will need to be able to access and demonstrate the version of Logo that you are using. It would be helpful to already be familiar with the Logo commands introduced in this lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Software that can run Logo code is required to complete activities. This could be downloaded software such as FMSLogo or online alternatives.

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a program?
Correct answer: a set of ordered commands that can be run by a computer to complete a task
a drawing tool
a computer game
Q2.
What does a command do?
It draws shapes.
It creates a program.
It deletes data.
Correct answer: It gives a single instruction to the computer.
Q3.
What is a screen turtle?
a creature that lives in the sea
a computer program
Correct answer: a small shape on the screen that moves and draws when given commands
a type of command
Q4.
What happens if you change the value of a command?
It has no effect.
Correct answer: It changes how the program works.
It deletes the program.
It creates a new program.
Q5.
What is a series of defined logical steps that can be followed to solve a problem?
Correct answer: algorithm
turtle
command
Q6.
What is the abbreviation for the command that lifts the pen so the turtle moves without drawing?
Correct Answer: pu, pen up

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms with their purposes.
Correct Answer:debug,ensures the program runs correctly

ensures the program runs correctly

Correct Answer:algorithm,guides the design of a program

guides the design of a program

Correct Answer:syntax,ensures the code is written correctly

ensures the code is written correctly

Q2.
What is debugging?
writing a new program
Correct answer: finding and fixing errors in a program
creating a flowchart
running a program without testing
Q3.
What is a syntax error?
a mistake in the logic of an algorithm
a type of program
a command that moves the turtle
Correct answer: a rule about how a programming language should be written
Q4.
What command moves the turtle back to its starting position?
Correct Answer: home
Q5.
Which direction is the turtle facing when the program starts?
Correct answer: up
down
left
right
Q6.
If a program runs, does it always mean it is correct?
yes, because running means it has no errors
Correct answer: no, a program can run but still produce incorrect results
yes, as long as it doesn’t crash
no, because running a program guarantees it was written perfectly