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Year 7

Problem solving using programming constructs

I can combine sequence, selection and iteration in a program to solve a problem.

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New
New
Year 7

Problem solving using programming constructs

I can combine sequence, selection and iteration in a program to solve a problem.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The programming constructs of sequence, selection and iteration can be combined to make more complex programs.
  2. Analysing a problem involves decomposing it into its constituent parts.
  3. Algorithms can be developed to solve a problem.
  4. A problem can be solved in multiple ways.

Keywords

  • Problem - a situation or task that needs to be solved

  • Decomposition - breaking down a task into smaller, more achievable steps

  • Solution - a way in which a problem or task is solved

Common misconception

Programming constructs cannot be combined in the same code block.

The programming constructs of sequence, selection and iteration can be combined within the same code block to make more complex programs.


To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Problem solving using programming constructs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

In this lesson pupils are asked to develop their own dance moves for the sprite. A sample plan is provided for modelling in the slide deck, but pupils should be encoruaged to design their own solution.
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equipment-required

Equipment

All pupils require access to devices that have or can access the online version of Scratch. Starter programs are linked to the lesson and can be remixed as required.

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these instructions is not a subroutine?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q2.
In computing, repeatedly executing instructions is known as ...
Correct answer: iteration
selection
sequence
Q3.
is the process of finding an error in your code and taking steps to fix the problem.
Correct Answer: debugging
Q4.
What is repeatedly running a sequence of instructions a set number of times known as?
Correct answer: count-controlled iteration
condition-controlled iteration
Q5.
What value would be held by the ‘name1’ variable and the ‘name2’ variable at the end of this program?
An image in a quiz
name1 = Laura name2 = Sam
name1 = Sam name2 = Laura
name1 = Laura name2 = Laura
Correct answer: name1 = Sam name2 = Sam
Q6.
When the value of a variable is updated in a program, it's previous value is ...
Correct answer: overwritten
saved
Q1 image 1 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 2 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 3 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q1 image 4 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q5 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0

4 Questions

Q1.
The three main programming constructs are sequence, selection and .
Correct Answer: iteration
Q2.
Breaking a large problem down into smaller, more manageable parts is known as ...
iteration
algorithmic thinking
Correct answer: decomposition
Q3.
Which programming construct is used in this code block?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: selection
iteration
decomposition
Q4.
Which programming construct is used in this code block?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: iteration
selection
decomposition
Q3 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0 Q4 Scratch Foundation under CC BY-SA 2.0