Conditions in selection statements
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how selection is used in computer programs.
Key learning points
- Conditions are events that can only be evaluated as True/False or yes/no.
- A condition being met can be used to start an action.
- Conditions are used in selection.
Keywords
Condition - a statement that can be either True or False
Selection - part of a program where, if a condition is met, then a set of commands is run
Common misconception
A condition only needs to be checked once.
Conditions need to be constantly checked to make sure the program reacts when the rule is met.
Teacher tip
Emphasise that conditions are used in programming to control which actions are followed, and highlight that in this lesson, only one outcome will run depending on whether the condition is met.
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.What do you call a character or object you can program in Scratch?
Q2.Match the block to its function:
changes position
runs code a set number of times
endless repetition
reverses direction at the stage edge
Q3.Which block creates a loop that never ends?
Q4.Which of these is not a type of loop in Scratch?
Q5.Put these steps in order to make a sprite move and bounce off the edge:
Q6.Match the key words and definitions.
a precise sequence of steps that can be followed to do a task
a program where one or more commands are run multiple times in a loop
finding and fixing errors in a program
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a condition in a computer program?
Q2.Why are conditions important in selection?
Q3.What does selection allow a program to do?
Q4.Arrange the steps to use selection in a Scratch program:
Q5.What would happen if a program only checked a condition once?
Q6.Match the keyword to its meaning:
a statement that can be yes or no
part of a program that chooses actions
the condition has been met
the condition has not been met
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Conditions in selection statements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Conditions in selection 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.
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 selection in programming to develop a quiz unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.