Selection
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use condition statements in selection to control the path a program follows.
Key learning points
- Conditions are built using expressions that evaluate to either True or False.
- Selection provides program control where there is more than one path to follow.
Keywords
Expression - a combination of logical and comparison operators that result to True or False
Selection - used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow
If statement - used to carry out selection in a program
If block - used to carry out selection in Scratch
Common misconception
A program can only follow one sequence of commands.
Selection allows for a program to follow alternative paths depending on the criteria of the selection statement.
Teacher tip
Use of a deck of playing cards can involve more of the class when understanding selection based on rank, suit and colour. Pupils could each have a card and stand up or sit down depending on the card they are holding and the condition being presented.
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.A is a named piece of data, stored in a memory location in a computer.
Q2.A variable can hold __________ one value at a time.
Q3.Name one variable in this block of code.
Q4.Which category of code block do you need to create a subroutine?
Q5.Which block would you use to update the value of the temperature variable in Scratch?
Q6.What is the value of temperature at the end of this block of code?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1. is used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow.
Q2.Which of these is the less than operator block?
Q3.Which block is used to carry out selection in Scratch?
Q4.Which of these blocks would you use if you want an operation to happen if the expression evaluates as False?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Selection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Selection, 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 Using fundamental programming constructs in a block-based language unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.