Developing code for a programming project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop and write code that meets functional requirements.
Key learning points
- Functional requirements define the specific actions or behaviours that a software system or application must perform.
- Functional requirements can be split into the inputs, processes and outputs of a program.
- Validation can be used to check that data is acceptable by comparing it against a set of criteria.
- A list is a dynamic data structure that can contain items of different data types.
Keywords
Functional requirements - defines the specific actions or behaviours that a software system or application must perform
Validation - checking that data is acceptable by comparing it against a set of criteria
List - a dynamic data structure that can contain items of different data types
Common misconception
The append() method will replace the existing contents of a list.
The append() method will add an item to the end of an existing list but it will not replace or overwrite any existing items in a list.
Teacher tip
This programming project is designed to come at the end of a sequence of programming units. It does include recap material on core requirements, but it would be useful if pupils had completed the units on sequence, selection and iteration before completing this lesson.
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 main purpose of using a flowchart during program design?
Q2.Which of the following best describes pseudocode?
Q3.Why is structured design important before starting to write code?
Q4.In pseudocode, how are decisions typically shown?
Q5.Arrange the following in the correct order for using a flowchart
Q6.Match each keyword to its correct description:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are functional requirements in software development?
Q2.What is the name for the process that checks whether input data meets certain criteria before it is accepted by a program?
Q3.Match each example to the correct concept:
Q4.What method would you use to add a new item to an existing list in Python?
Q5.What happens if invalid data passes through a program without validation?
Q6.What type of data structure is a list?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Developing code for 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: Developing code for 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.