Data structure projects in Python
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply my understanding of data structures and iteration to investigate a problem.
Key learning points
- Data can be used to investigate a problem.
- Programming tools can be used to perform investigations on data held in data structures.
- When investigating a problem using code, it is useful to follow the software development life cycle.
- Data structures, iteration and operations can be combined to make more complex programs in Python.
Keywords
Investigate - examine data carefully to find out the truth about something
Rounding - reducing the number of digits in a number by examining the digits that follow that will be discarded
Common misconception
Python will automatically round numbers to the nearest whole number.
Python will perform calculations based on the values that have been provided and generate an answer that can include fractional parts. If you want to reduce the number of digits, you can use the round() function.
Teacher tip
If pupils want to extend their investigations, they could set their own questions to be answered using the data set provided. Encourage them to think about how the data can be used.
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.Match the term to its definition.
the location of an item in a list
able to be changed
a data type that is a collection of characters
a collection of data in a particular sequence
take an item away from a list
a symbol for a specific calculation
Q2.What does the append method do in Python?
Q3.What is the term for repeating a sequence of instructions?
Q4.What is a for loop used for?
Q5.What is a floating-point number in Python?
Q6.How are lists defined in Python?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put these steps in order to represent the software development life cycle.
Q2.What is the primary purpose of the analysis phase in the software development life cycle?
Q3.Which data type allows for fractional values in Python?
Q4.How do you use the round() function to round the number 3.14159 to two decimal places in Python?
Q5.How do you access the third item in a list called myList in Python?
Q6.How do you iterate through each item in a list called myList using a for loop in Python? Hint: Use the variable 'item'.
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Data structure projects in Python, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Data structure projects 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.