Unit xx. Text based programming 1 – I’m a coder

This unit is planned but development has not yet started. Our plans may change in the future as we continue to review our scheme of learning.

Unit description

Solving problems with sequence, selection and repetition in Python.

Unit career

I’m a coder

“As a coder, I build software by writing instructions for computers, called code. I figure out how to make programs work, fix mistakes when things go wrong, and help add new features. My goal is to create programs that solve problems or do useful things.”

Key Question

All the activities in this unit enable students to answer the key question:

How do we use programming constructs to create reliable programs that take input, make decisions, repeat actions, and work as intended?

Knowledge statements

This is achieved by students studying 4 “Learn-it” lessons, each of which focus on one knowledge statement:

1. Know how to use sequence commands to input, process and output data.
   • E.g. commands INPUT, PRINT, variable assignments and simple calculations.
2. Know how to use selection commands to branch the execution of a program.
   • E.g. commands IF, ELIF.
3. Know how to use a conditional repetition command to perform repeated actions efficiently.
   • E.g. command WHILE.
4. Know how to test a program for functionality against criteria, debugging syntax and logic errors in the process.

What is included in this unit?

• Teacher guide providing a detailed overview of the unit.
• 6 Lesson folders:
  • 4 “Learn-it” lessons with a teacher PowerPoint and student workbook.
  • 1 “Make-it” lesson with assessment materials for teachers and students.
  • 1 “Review-it” lesson with an end of topic MCQ test, assessment grid, peer assessment and self-reflection.
• Any additional resources and materials needed for the activities are provided in the lesson folders.
• 6 detailed lesson plans explaining how to teach the 3 lesson phases.
• Extension activities with model answers.
• 3 independent homework question sheets supported by 3 online videos hosted on Tella.