Procedures in programs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and call a procedure in a program.
Key learning points
- A procedure is a named block of code that performs a specific task.
- Procedures are designed to run a sequence of code that does not return any value to the calling program.
- In order to run a procedure, it must be called by the main program.
Keywords
Call - an expression that passes control and arguments (if any) to a subprogram
Procedure - a subprogram that executes a block of code when called but does not return a value
Function - a subprogram that returns a value
Return value - a value that is returned by a function
Common misconception
Functions and procedures are just different names for the same thing.
A function is a type of subprogram that returns a value whereas a procedure is a type of subprogram that does not return a value.
Teacher tip
print() is an example of a procedure whereas input() is an example of a function. Ask pupils to explain why.
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.What is the term used for the name of a subprogram?
Q2.In this code:
1def num_walks(total_dogs, total_days):
total_dogs and total_days are:Code colour
Q3.A chart is created to decide the hierarchy for a program.
Q4.A subprogram interface is made up of which items?
Q5.Select the statement that is true.
Q6.What code is missing from the program?
123456 ___ multiply_two_numbers(number1, number2)
answer = number1 * number2
return answer
result = multiply_two_numbers(5,5)
print(result)Code colour
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the term to the definition.
used in a subprogram to allow values to be passed into it
a subprogram that returns a value
a subprogram that does not return a value
a sequence of instructions to perform a specific task
Q2. are used in subprogram to allow values to be passed into them.
Q3. are the values held in the brackets of a subprogram call.
Q4.This code is an example of:
12345def calculate(a, b):
answer = a + b
return answer
answer = calculate(5, 10)Code colour
Q5.What keyword is used to define a subprogram in Python?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Procedures in programs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Procedures in programs, 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: subprograms unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.