Types of loops
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can tell the difference between count-controlled loops and infinite loops.
Key learning points
- In programming, there are count-controlled loops and infinite loops.
- An infinite loop is a sequence of instructions that is continuously repeated, without an end point.
- Different types of loops are more suitable for different tasks.
Keywords
Repeat - happen multiple times
Count-controlled loop - a chunk of code that runs a section of the program a certain number of times
Infinite loop - a chunk of code that runs a section of the program continuously
Common misconception
A count-controlled loop repeats forever.
An infinite loop repeats forever, unless the program is stopped.
Teacher tip
In this lesson, sprites change costumes. Costumes are alternative appearances of a sprite, which can be named, edited, created, and deleted. Here, they are used as part of an animation, where the sprite moves from one costume to the next.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use Scratch https://oak.link/scratch
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of repetition in everyday life?
Q2.What do we call a single instruction that tells a computer what to do?
Q3.Match the real-life example to the type of repetition.
repeating cycle
repeating pattern
repeated actions
repeated sound
Q4.What is something you can change in a code snippet to get a different result?
Q5.If you want a sprite to jump three times, which loop would you use?
Q6.In programming, what is the purpose of a count-controlled loop?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an infinite loop?
Q2.Which block in Scratch is most likely to create an infinite loop?
Q3.Why might you use a count-controlled loop instead of an infinite loop?
Q4.Which of these is an example of an infinite loop in real life?
Q5.What is a key difference between count-controlled and infinite loops?
Q6.Match the Scratch block to the type of loop it creates.
count-controlled loop
infinite loop
not a loop
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Types of loops, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Types of loops, 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 Using repetition in programming to create a game unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.