Creating lists in Python
I can create a list in Python and use selection to access and display list items.
Creating lists in Python
I can create a list in Python and use selection to access and display list items.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Lists are data structures that can store multiple related items in Python.
- Values held in a list are ordered by index number, with the first item in the list being stored at index [0].
- List items can be directly accessed by specifying the index value.
Keywords
Selection - used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow
List - a collection of data in a particular sequence
Data structure - an organised way to store data for easy use
Index - the location of an item or element in a list or string
Common misconception
A list index starts at 1 as that is the first element in the list and should be counted as the first item.
In most programming languages, list indexing is zero-based, which means the index starts at 0. The number indicates the position before the value is seen.
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: Creating lists in Python, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 computing lesson on: Creating lists in Python, 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 3 computing lessons from the Python programming with sequences of data unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
All pupils require access to devices that can edit and run Python programs. Starter code files are available to copy or use directly via the Raspberry Pi Foundation's Code Editor.