Records and dictionaries
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a record using a dictionary in Python.
Key learning points
- Data structures are used to store data in an organised and accessible way.
- A record is an example of a data structure.
- A record allows you to store a collection of attributes for a single entity.
- Python does not have a native data structure for a record.
- Instead, you can use a different data structure called a dictionary to represent a record.
Keywords
Record - a collection of attributes for a single entity
Entity - an entity is a single object, place, person or thing
Attribute - properties or characteristics of an entity
Dictionary - a data structure that involves creating data pairings that can be located using a key
Key - used to identify each attribute held in the dictionary
Common misconception
There is no way to store multiple records in one data structure in Python.
If you want to use multiple records in a database, then you can add multiple dictionaries to a list.
Teacher tip
There is a lot of new terminology in this lesson that learners may not be familiar with. Ensure learners are confident with the meaning of each keyword as you progress through the lesson. Consistent and accurate use of terminology will help pupils gain confidence of their correct usage.
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.Which of the following correctly defines a list in Python?
Q2.Match the list operation with its description.
adds an item to the end of a list
removes an item from a list
returns the number of items in a list
Q3.What will be the output of the following code?
123fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
fruits.append("orange")
print(fruits)Code colour
Q4.What does the .upper() method do in Python?
Q5.What will be the output of the following code?
12word = "PYTHON"
print(word[2])Code colour
Q6.Strings can hold letters, numbers, and symbols, and they must be enclosed in .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a record in programming?
Q2.What is an attribute in a record?
Q3.What will be the output of the following code?
12player = { "username" : "rockstar", "password" : "6goatsEating", "score" : 5328 }
print(player["username"])Code colour
Q4.Match the keyword to the description.
a collection of attributes for a single entity
a single object, place, person or thing
properties or characteristics of an entity
a data structure that involves creating data pairings
used to identify each attribute held in the dictionary
Q5.How is a record typically represented in Python?
Q6.How can you modify a value in a dictionary?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Records and dictionaries, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Records and dictionaries, 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 Programming: dictionaries and data files unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.