Program variables
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use variables to store values and trace how they change in a program.
Key learning points
- A variable is used to store a value in a program.
- A variable can be updated with a new value which replaces the initial value it was assigned.
- The value of a variable can be tracked throughout a program.
Keywords
Variable - a named piece of data stored in a computer’s memory which can be accessed and changed by a computer program
Value - the data a variable holds at a particular time
Trace - to track the value a variable holds at any time during a program
Common misconception
The value a variable holds cannot be updated and a computer remembers the previous values of variables.
A variable can be updated during a program. Once the value of a variable is updated in a program, the previous value is overwritten.
Teacher tip
The story has been modelled with examples in the slide deck. If you would prefer you could note down your class' responses and use these variables instead.
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? A subroutine can only be called once in a program.
Q2.Which word describes the order in which commands are run during a program?
Q3.What colour is the variables block in Scratch?
Q4.What types of data can a variable hold?
Q5.In a bat and ball game, which of these parts of the game would be stored using a variable?
Q6.When is the value of a variable usually set?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How many values can a variable hold at any one time?
Q2.When a variable is changed, what happens to the value?
Q3.What is the name of the built-in variable in Scratch that holds user input?
Q4.Which block can be used to combine a variable and a message in Scratch?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Program variables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Program 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 Using fundamental programming constructs in a block-based language unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.