Approaching a programming project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can outline the key stages of a programming project and identify the importance of planning.
Key learning points
- The software development life cycle (SDLC) defines the main stages of software development.
- Planning is a vital stage because it helps developers organise their ideas, avoid mistakes and work more efficiently.
- Real-world programming projects are rarely perfect the first time so planning for changes and improvements is essential.
Keywords
SDLC - software development life cycle — a structured process that is used by developers to design, develop and test software
Common misconception
Planning isn't needed for coding projects — you can just develop your code as you write.
If you plan out your algorithm first in human language, you can ensure each part is correct before writing any actual code. This reduces the likelihood of logic errors which could stop your code working as expected.
Teacher tip
This lesson refers to SMART goals which pupils should have covered in previous units of study. If this is not the case, you may need to explain the SMART acronym and how SMART goals are constructed.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word describes a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound?
Q2.What is the main purpose of using variables in Python programming?
Q3.What is the Python keyword for displaying output on the screen?
Q4.Put these basic programming project steps in order:
Q5.Match each term to its correct description:
notes in code that help explain what is happening
the process of identifying and fixing errors in code
the needs and expectations that a program must meet
a reusable section of code designed to perform a specific task
Q6.What should you do before starting to write code for a new project?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following describes a SMART objective?
Q2.What is a common mistake when starting a programming project?
Q3.Who is responsible for gathering information about what the client needs in a new software project?
Q4.Match each project benefit to its description:
understanding what must be built and why
spotting and preparing for possible problems
using time, money and people wisely
making it easy to fix or update the system in future
Q5.What does “evaluation” in the SDLC focus on?
Q6.What is the main purpose of technical documentation?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Approaching a programming project, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Approaching a programming project, 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 Python programming project unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.