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Year 10
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Comparing algorithms to computer programs

I can describe the differences between algorithms and computer programs.

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Year 10
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Comparing algorithms to computer programs

I can describe the differences between algorithms and computer programs.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An algorithm is a series of defined logical steps that can be followed to solve a problem.
  2. A computer program is a way of implementing an algorithm, by writing it in a language that a computer can understand.
  3. A single algorithm can be implemented in many different computer programs.

Keywords

  • Algorithm - a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem

  • Computer program - a way of implementing an algorithm by writing it in a language that a computer can use

  • Logic - a system of rules that determine the flow of instructions

Common misconception

Algorithms and computer programs are actually the same thing.

A computer program is a specific implementation of an algorithm's logic. A clearly written algorithm provides instructions that can be implemented in various ways including, but not limited to, computer programs.


To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Comparing algorithms to computer programs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If learners are in a group setting, encourage them to discuss their understanding of the differences between algorithms and computer programs in pairs and then give examples. Try to encourage learners to consider how they may already use algorithms to solve everyday situations without realising it.
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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is computational thinking?
a way to write computer programs
a method of creating hardware
Correct answer: a systematic approach to solving problems
a way to memorise algorithms
Q2.
Which computational thinking technique focuses on important details and ignores irrelevant ones?
Correct Answer: abstraction
Q3.
Which computational thinking technique involves breaking a problem into smaller, manageable parts?
Correct Answer: decomposition
Q4.
Which computational thinking technique involves creating logical, step-by-step instructions?
Correct Answer: algorithmic thinking, algorithms
Q5.
Which of these is an example of abstraction?
Correct answer: ignoring irrelevant details to focus on important parts
testing a solution to ensure it works
breaking a problem into smaller parts
writing a step-by-step solution for a problem
Q6.
What is the main goal of algorithmic thinking?
to create a program in Python
to solve a problem in one step
to break down a problem into smaller parts
Correct answer: to create logical, step-by-step instructions

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.
Correct Answer:algorithm,a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a task
tick

a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a task

Correct Answer:computer program,instructions written in a programming language
tick

instructions written in a programming language

Correct Answer:logic,a system of rules that determine the flow of instructions
tick

a system of rules that determine the flow of instructions

Q2.
Which of the following is an example of an algorithm?
Correct answer: a recipe with step-by-step instructions
a Python program to calculate the area of a circle
a set of rules for a programming language
a computer's operating system
Q3.
What is a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a task called?
Correct Answer: algorithm
Q4.
Why is logic important in algorithms?
It ensures the instructions are written in Python.
Correct answer: It helps determine the flow of instructions.
It makes the algorithm executable by a computer.
It replaces the need for programming languages.
Q5.
What makes a computer program different from an algorithm?
Correct answer: It is written in a specific programming language.
It is a general set of instructions.
It is not executable by a computer.
It does not follow logical steps.
Q6.
What is another key difference between an algorithm and a computer program?
Algorithms are executed by computers.
Computer programs are conceptual.
Correct answer: Algorithms are general, while computer programs are specific.
Computer programs do not use logic.