Writing a text-based program
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a text-based program from an algorithm that includes input and output.
Key learning points
- An algorithm is a sequence of steps that can be followed to do a task.
- A program is a set of commands that can be run by a computer in order for it to do a task.
- All programming languages have rules for syntax that must be followed so that the program can run.
- The print() function is used to output information from a Python program.
- The input() function is used to input data from the user into a Python program.
Keywords
Algorithm - a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem
Program - a set of commands that can be run by a computer in order for it to do a task
Syntax - the precise way that a program must be written to be understood by a computer
Common misconception
Pupils will modify their code to provide input directly in to the input() function, for example, user = input("Aisha"), rather than typing when asked as the program runs.
The computer follows the instructions of a program. Input that a user has to type in should only be entered when the program runs. This allows different users to provide different inputs without changing the program in any way.
Teacher tip
Outputs can be produced from various combinations of strings and variables used in different orders. Encourage pupils to adjust the output of programs to make sense grammatically to the user by varying the placement of the variables used.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can edit and run Python programs. Examples in this lesson use the RPF Code Editor https://oak.link/python-editor
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A program is a set of __________ that can be run by a computer.
Q2.An is a sequence of steps that can be followed to do a task.
Q3.In this Scratch program, what is Hello World?
Q4.In this Scratch program, what is the name of one of the variables?
Q5.A sequence is a precise set of instructions in a particular ...
Q6.What would be the output for the following algorithm:
123Repeat 3 times:
Draw ✳✳✳♡
Draw ♡✳Code colour
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.In programming, what is the term for the rules that specify the way that a program must be written?
Q2.What type of error does the Python code pint("Success") have?
Q3.The Python code Print("Hello World!") has a syntax error. Rewrite the code correctly so that it doesn't have any syntax errors.
Q4.Which function is used to display text or other information on the screen in Python?
Q5.What is the output of the following Python code?
123print("What is your name?")
name = input()
print(f"Hello {name}")Code colour
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Writing a text-based program, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Writing a text-based program, 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 3 computing lessons from the Introduction to Python programming unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.