Conditional statements
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a conditional statement to compare a variable to a value.
Key learning points
- Conditions can be checked with <,> and = operators.
- The order of conditions in selection statements can affect the outcome.
- Programs can be modified to produce different outcomes.
Keywords
Condition - a statement that can be either true or false
Operator - a symbol used to compare values
Common misconception
The order of conditions in an if/else if chain doesn't matter.
Conditions are checked in order, so earlier ones take priority.
Teacher tip
It is important to draw attention to the order of conditions in if/else if chains.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software that can be used to program a physcial controller. Examples in this lesson use Microsoft MakeCode https://oak.link/makecode
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word means choosing between actions in a program?
Q2.Arrange these steps for using an if... then... else statement:
Q3.What happens in an if... then... else statement if the condition is false?
Q4.Match the keyword to its description:
the order commands run in a program
a rule that can be true or false
choosing between different actions
a structure that checks a condition and picks what to do
Q5.Which of these best describes a program’s flow?
Q6.What does selection use to decide which commands to run?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an operator in a conditional statement?
Q2.Which of these is a condition?
Q3.Which operator checks that an initial value is greater than the next value?
Q4.What happens if none of the conditions in an if... else if... statement are true?
Q5.Which statement about if... else if... statements is correct?
Q6.Arrange these steps to show how a program uses if... else if... statements to decide what to do:
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Conditional statements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Conditional statements, 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.
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Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Sensing movement with physical computing unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.