5.7 KiB
5.7 KiB
transformers lesson
use functions to return values.
Topic
Return
Quick Links
Class
Year 7
Prior learning/place of lesson in scheme of work
Learn how to create functions, function() to make your code easier to read, debug, and update. We will be learning how to create functions as well as a global variable, input on button pressed as well simple commands such as show number.
What the teacher needs to know
- Algorithm: An unambiguous set of rules or a precise step-bystep guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective.
- Command: An instruction for the computer to execute, written in a particular programming language.
- Data: A structured set of numbers, possibly representing digitised text, images, sound or video, which can be processed or transmitted by a computer, also used for numerical (quantitative) information.
- Decomposing: The process through which problems or systems are broken down into their component parts, each of which may then be considered separately.
- Hardware: The physical systems and components of digital devices; see also software.
- Input: Data provided to a computer system, such as via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera or physical sensors.
- Output: The information produced by a computer system for its user, typically on a screen, through speakers or on a printer, but possibly through the control of motors in physical systems.
- Programmable toys: Robots designed for children to use, accepting input, storing short sequences of simple instructions and moving according to this stored program.
- 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.
- Script: A computer program typically executed one line at a time through an interpreter, such as the instructions for a Scratch character.
- Selection: A programming construct in which one section of code or another is executed depending on whether a particular condition is met.
- Sequence: To place program instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.
- Simulation: Using a computer to model the state and behaviour of real-world (or imaginary) systems, including physical or social systems; an integral part of most computer games.
- Variables: A way in which computer programs can store, retrieve or change data, such as a score, the time left, or the user’s name.
**QuickStart Computing Glossary
Documentation
- function : read more...
- return : read more...
- call : read more...
- global variable : read more...
- on button pressed : read more...
- local variable : read more...
- show number : read more...
Resources
- Activity: tutorial
- Activity: quiz
- Extended Activity: challenges
Objectives
- learn how to create a function that performs a specific task to make your code easier to read, debug, and update
- learn how the return statement exits a function and returns a value to the code
- learn how to call an existing function in your script
- learn how to create a global variable to store data so that you can use it later in your code and accessible across functions and in nested code blocks
- learn how to run code when an input button is pressed
- learn how to create a local variable to store data, so that you can use it in your code
- learn how to show a number on the LED screen
Links to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Computing
Progression Pathways / Computational Thinking Framework
Algorithms
- Uses diagrams to express solutions.(AB)
- Uses logical reasoning to predict outputs, showing an awareness of inputs (AL)
- Designs solutions by decomposing a problem and creates a sub-solution for each of these parts. (DE) (AL) (AB)
- 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)
- Uses a variable and relational operators within a loop to govern termination (AL) (GE)
- Uses a range of operators and expressions e.g. Boolean, and applies them in the context of program control. (AL)
- Selects the appropriate data types(AL) (AB
Data & Data Representation
- Uses filters or can perform single criteria searches for information.(AL)
- Defines data types: real numbers and Boolean (AB)
Hardware & Processing
- Knows that computers collect data from various input devices, including sensors and application software (AB)
Information Technology
- Collects, organizes, 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)
- Recognises ethical issues surrounding the application of information technology beyond school.
Computational Thinking Concept: AB = Abstraction; DE = Decomposition; AL = Algorithmic Thinking; EV = Evaluation; GE = Generalisation
Activity
Extended Activity
- time: 20 min.
- challenges
Homework
- Extended Activity: challenges
Intended follow on
Publish script to the classroom.