Lesson 1
Describing with variables
Introduction
In this ‘unplugged’ lesson, pupils develop their understanding of variables. They use variable names and values to retell stories and use variables to describe characters before changing variables to describe the number of sides different shapes have.
Learning objectives
- To know and understand what variables are
- To use variables to describe a character
- To write algorithms that use variables
You will need
Downloadable resources:
- Lesson plan
- Lesson slides
- Student handouts
- Variable character description
- Variable character description challenge
Other resources:
Whiteboards & dry-wipe marker pens, printouts of slides, stacking games
Quick links
Lesson plan
Introduction: Playing a game (15 minutes)
Introducing variables (25 minutes)
Changing variables (15 minutes)
Reviewing learning (5 minutes)
Extension ideas
Differentiation
Opportunities for assessment
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