Creating lists in Python
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a list in Python and use selection to access and display list items.
Key learning points
- Lists are data structures that can store multiple related items in Python.
- Values held in a list are ordered by index number, with the first item in the list being stored at index [0].
- List items can be directly accessed by specifying the index value.
Keywords
Selection - used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow
List - a dynamic data structure that can contain items of different data types
Data structure - a way of organising and storing data in a computer
Index - the location of items or elements in a list, array or string
Common misconception
A list index starts at 1 as that is the first element in the list and should be counted as the first item.
In most programming languages, list indexing is zero-based, which means the index starts at 0. The number indicates the position before the value is seen.
Teacher tip
Use the starter code to live model what happens when different index values are used to reference a list. It is important for pupils to see that errors can occur and why they have happened. Explain what the error messages are saying so that actions to debug become obvious.
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.In Python, which keyword allows you to create a block of code that only executes when a certain condition is true?
Q2.Which if statement would correctly check if the variable score is greater than or equal to 80?
Q3.Which of the following is correct when describing nested if statements?
Q4.The = symbol in Python is used for ...
Q5.What keyword is used in Python to output text to the user?
Q6.S is used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of an elif statement in Python?
Q2.What is the correct syntax for creating a list in Python?
Q3.What type of data structure is a list in Python?
Q4.Each item within the list is referred to by an , which is its position in the list.
Q5.What will the following code print?
1234days = ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday",
"Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday",
"Sunday"]
print(days[3])Code colour
Q6.What will the following code print?
1234days = ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday",
"Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday",
"Sunday"]
print(days[7])Code colour
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Creating lists in Python, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Creating lists in Python, 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 Python programming with sequences of data unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.