Mathematical operations in data structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a range of mathematical operations on list items and return a result.
Key learning points
- Mathematical operations can be performed using operators in Python.
- Mathematical operations can be performed on individual list items.
- The shuffle() function can be used to randomly reorder the contents of a list.
Keywords
Operator - a symbol or word that instructs the computer to perform a specific calculation or action
List - a dynamic data structure that can contain items of different data types
Common misconception
Mathematical operations cannot be performed on items held in a list; the items must first be stored in a new variable.
Mathematical operations can be performed directly on list items by using an index value to reference the value used.
Teacher tip
Unplugged activites help to visualise tasks away from the computer screen. If you think pupils will struggle to understand the tasks, try rehersing them in groups with printed versions of the lists so that the effect of instructions can be visualised.
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.What is a list in Python?
Q2.Match the terms with their definitions.
Q3.What is the index number that holds the first item in a Python list?
Q4.What method would you use to add an item to a list?
Q5.What is the term for repeating a sequence of instructions?
Q6.Which loop is used for count-controlled iteration?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms with their definitions.
Q2.What is the primary purpose of a for loop in Python?
Q3.What is the index of the second item in a list?
Q4.What can be used to perform calculations in Python?
Q5.Which statement about performing mathematical operations on list items in Python is true?
Q6.What does the shuffle() function do to a list in Python?
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Mathematical operations in data structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Mathematical operations in data structures, 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.