# counter lesson plan

Learn how to create a counter with with on button pressed.

### @video vimeo/134118661

## Topic

Variable - Counter

## Class

Year 7

## Prior learning/place of lesson in scheme of work

Learn how to creating a **variable** to keep track of the current count. We will be learning how to create a counter app using global variables as well as simple commands, such as on button pressed, and show number.

## What the teacher needs to know

**Program:** A stored set of instructions encoded in a language understood by the computer that does some form of computation, processing input and/or stored data to generate output.**

**Algorithm:** An unambiguous set of rules or a precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. The guided tutorial follows a algorithm and is a precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem**

**Loop:** A block of code repeated automatically under the program’s control. ** The blink program introduces Forever. Forever will repeats code in the background forever.

**Command:** An instruction for the computer to execute, written in a particular programming language.**

**QuickStart Computing Glossary

## Documentation

* **variables**: [read more...](/microbit/reference/variables/var)
* **on button pressed** : [read more...](/microbit/reference/input/on-button-pressed)
* **show number** : [read more...](/microbit/reference/basic/show-number)

## Resources

* Activity: [tutorial](/microbit/lessons/counter/tutorial)
* Activity: [quiz](/microbit/lessons/counter/quiz)
* Extended Activity: [challenges](/microbit/lessons/counter/challenges)

## Objectives

* learn how to create a variable
* learn how to blink a light
* learn how to repeat turning on and off the light

#### Algorithms

* Understands that iteration is the repetition of a process such as a loop. (AL)
* Represents solutions using a structured notation. (AL) (AB)

#### Programming & Development

* Creates programs that implement algorithms to achieve given goals. (AL)
* Declares and assigns variables.(AB)

#### Data & Data Representation

* Understands the difference between data and information. (AB)
* Defines data types: real numbers and Boolean. (AB)

#### Information Technology

*  Collects, organises and presents data and information in digital content. (AB)
* Makes appropriate improvements to solutions based on feedback received, and can comment on the success of the solution. (EV)

Computational Thinking Concept: AB = Abstraction; DE = Decomposition; AL = Algorithmic Thinking; EV = Evaluation; GE = Generalisation

## Activity

* time: 20 min.
* [tutorial](/microbit/lessons/counter/tutorial)
* [quiz](/microbit/lessons/counter/quiz)
* assessment opportunities: forever, plot, pause, clear screen

## Extended Activity

* time: 20 min.
* [challenges](/microbit/lessons/counter/challenges)
* assessment opportunities: loops, plot, pause, clear screen

## Homework

* Extended Activity: [challenges](/microbit/lessons/counter/challenges)

## Intended follow on

Publish script to the classroom.

