Procedures in programming
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can decompose a task into small steps.
Key learning points
- Actions have 'chunks' within everyday sequences.
- A computer can repeatedly call a procedure.
- Programs can use procedures.
Keywords
Decompose - to break down a task into smaller, more achievable steps
Procedure - a named set of commands that can be called multiple times throughout a program
Common misconception
The computer understands procedure names and knows what to do based on the chosen name.
The name is for humans, the computer only follows the instructions inside the procedure.
Teacher tip
A subroutine is a sequence of commands to perform a specific task with an identifiable name. Consider how we use this in real life. A general instruction of 'walk to school' contains contains many different instructions followed such as "walk to end of road", "turn right", etc.
Equipment
Pupils need access to a device with software that can execute Logo programs. Examples in this lesson use FMSLogo https://oak.link/fms-logo
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a program?
Q2.What is a command in programming?
Q3.What is an algorithm?
Q4.What does the term "debug" mean in programming?
Q5.What is a count-controlled loop?
Q6.What command would you use to draw a square with a screen turtle? Use the repeat command and sides of 100 steps.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put these steps of decomposition in order.
Q2.What is a procedure in programming?
Q3.Match the terms with their definitions.
to break down a task into smaller steps
a named set of commands that can be reused
to find and fix errors in a program
Q4.Order these steps for using a procedure in a program.
Q5.What of these statements about a procedure is correct?
Q6.Write the command to create a new procedure called square.
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Procedures in programming, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Procedures in programming, 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 Repetition in programs unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.