New
New
Year 4

Creating games

I can create a project that includes repetition.

New
New
Year 4

Creating games

I can create a project that includes repetition.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A program can be built by implementing a design and algorithm into code.
  2. The order of blocks inside a loop affects the outcome.
  3. Testing and debugging are necessary steps when building and refining a program.

Keywords

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

  • Debug - the process of finding and correcting errors in code

Common misconception

The order of the blocks inside a 'forever' loop doesn't really matter, as long as they are all in there.

The order of the blocks inside a loop can matter, and running them in a different sequence may affect the game.


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Creating games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If pupils do not have a game design sheet, they can use the included Bat catching game design sheet.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Bat catching game design sheet, Scratch

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

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main reason for using repetition in a programme?
to make the code shorter
to change the background
Correct answer: to run the same instructions multiple times
to add more sprites
Q2.
Which of these best describes an algorithm?
a colourful sprite
Correct answer: a list of precise steps to complete a task
a random set of instructions
a single command
Q3.
Why might you select key parts from another project for your own design?
Correct answer: to save time and use good ideas
to delete the old project
to change the project’s name
to add extra backgrounds
Q4.
Match the action to its purpose.
Correct Answer:adding repetition,to repeat actions

to repeat actions

Correct Answer:selecting key parts,to use useful ideas

to use useful ideas

Correct Answer:writing an algorithm,to plan your steps

to plan your steps

Correct Answer:testing your project,to check if it works

to check if it works

Q5.
What is the word for creating a detailed outline of how a project or programme will work before you start building it?
Correct Answer: design, plan
Q6.
Put these actions in order when designing an algorithm:
1 - Decide what you want your project to do.
2 - Write the steps in order.
3 - Add repetition where needed.
4 - Test your algorithm.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of an algorithm in programming?
to decorate a sprite
Correct answer: to provide a sequence of steps to follow
to play a sound
to copy code
Q2.
What is the process of finding and fixing errors in your code called?
Correct Answer: debug, debugging
Q3.
Why do programmers test and debug their projects?
to add more backgrounds
to hide the code
to change the project name
Correct answer: to make sure everything works correctly
Q4.
Arrange these steps for building a game project:
1 - Plan the design and algorithm.
2 - Write the code.
3 - Test the game.
4 - Debug any errors.
Q5.
What might happen if you change the order of instructions inside a 'forever' loop in your game?
the game will always work the same
the code will be deleted
Correct answer: the actions might happen in a different way
the sprites will not load
Q6.
Put these actions in order for fixing a problem in your programme:
1 - Test the code.
2 - Spot the error.
3 - Debug the code.
4 - Check if the problem is fixed.

Additional material

Download additional material