Truth tables
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can construct a truth table to represent a Boolean expression or circuit.
Key learning points
- A truth table is a way of summarising and checking the logic of a circuit.
- The table shows all possible combinations of inputs and, for each combination, the output the circuit will produce.
Keywords
Truth table - a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs to a logic gate or logic circuit
Boolean expression - an expression that evaluates to either True or False
Common misconception
A truth table can only have the column headings of single inputs like A, B, or X.
A truth table can have column headings that calculate the value of the expression, for example (A OR B).
Teacher tip
The process of constructing a truth table is modelled in the lesson. Encourage pupils to start by identifying the column headings and then all the possible combinations of input.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the order of precedence for Boolean operators?
Q2.Which logic gate outputs True only when both inputs are True?
Q3.A circuit diagram is used to ...
Q4.A logic circuit uses two or more components to implement a more complex logical statement.
Q5.Identify the input or inputs for this sentence: "I will go to the park if my friend is not busy, and it is sunny".
Q6.Put the steps to write a logic statement in order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A truth table is a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of the to a logic gate or logic circuit.
Q2.What is the output of the Boolean expression NOT (True AND False)?
Q3.Which Boolean expression represents the following scenario: "I will go to the park if it is sunny OR it is NOT raining."
Q4.What is the output of the Boolean expression (True AND False) OR True?
Q5.A truth table with three inputs will have how many rows?
Q6.In a truth table for the expression A AND (B OR C), which columns would you include?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Truth tables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Truth tables, 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 Boolean logic unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.