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Lesson 6 of 6
  • Year 4

Creating games

I can create a project that includes repetition.

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View unit
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
  • Year 4

Creating games

I can create a project that includes repetition.

Download all

These resources were made for remote use during the pandemic, not classroom teaching.

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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 haven�t completed their own game design sheet, use the included Bat Catching Game design sheet. Having a ready-made plan helps pupils focus on practising the coding skill (repetition) rather than increasing pupils' cognitive loads by getting them to do too much within a single lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use Scratch https://oak.link/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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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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

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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.