Data structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe and compare data structures.
Key learning points
- Data structures are used to help store, organise and manipulate data to solve problems efficiently.
- Arrays are static data structures that can store data of a single type in indexed elements.
- Lists are dynamic data structures that can store data of different types in indexed elements.
- The choice of data structure depends on the specific needs of the algorithm or problem.
Keywords
Data structure - a way of organising and storing data in a computer
Composite - something made of various parts or elements
Dynamic data structure - a data structure where the size and memory allocation can change as a program runs
Static data structure - a data structure with a fixed size and memory allocation that is set before a program runs
Common misconception
Arrays are always the best choice for storing and accessing collections of data.
While arrays offer efficient direct access to elements using their index, they have limitations, such as fixed size and potential inefficiency in terms of unused elements.
Teacher tip
Encourage learners to consider how they organise and store their own everyday data in the physical world such as calendars, to-do lists, sports scores, etc. and how they would store this data in a computer program.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is computational thinking?
Q2.What is pseudocode?
Q3.What does a flowchart represent?
Q4.What is the process of identifying and fixing errors in a computer program called?
Q5.A shopping is used to organise items you need to buy, such as milk, bread and eggs.
Q6.Which of the following is an example of a list in everyday life?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for a sequence of characters, such as a name, password or email address?
Q2.What is a data structure?
Q3.What is a static data structure?
Q4.What is a dynamic data structure?
Q5.Which of the following is an example of a static data structure?
Q6.What is the term for a structure made of various parts or elements?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Data structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: 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 4 computer science lessons from the Algorithms unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.