User inputs and variables
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use variables and user input to create interactivity in an app.
Key learning points
- Variables are used to store data.
- User input can be collected from elements.
- Stored values can be reused and combined to create dynamic outputs.
Keywords
Variable - a named piece of data stored in a computer’s memory which can be accessed and changed by a computer program
Input - data that is sent to a program to be processed
Data type - defines the kind of data a computer can store and the actions you can perform on it
Common misconception
Variables always store numbers.
Variables can store different types of data, including text (strings), numbers or Boolean values.
Teacher tip
Pupils will have encountered many uses of apps in the world around them. Tailor the activities in the slides to best reflect the experiences pupils in your school will have had when using app-based technology.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with phone app design software. Examples in this lesson use App Lab https://oak.link/app-lab which will require pupils to have a login to obtain access to edit.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of an event listener in an app?
Q2.Which action is an example of an event in an app?
Q3.What does a function do in an app?
Q4.Put these actions in the correct order for responding to a key press:
Q5.Match each example to the correct term:
event
event listener
function
Q6.What is the word for the action that causes an event to happen in an app?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for a named storage location in a computer program that can hold different values?
Q2.What is a data type?
Q3.Match each example to the correct term:
Boolean
number
text
Q4.Which of these is NOT a valid use for a variable?
Q5.What happens when a user enters data into a form and clicks 'submit'?
Q6.What is the term for information a user gives to an app?
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: User inputs and variables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: User inputs and variables, 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 Mobile app development unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.