Controlling Devices: Flowol: What is a Flowchart?
Aim: Success Criteria: Resources:
Design, write and debug programs that I can follow a sequence of written Lesson Pack
accomplish specific goals, including instructions in a flowchart.
Whiteboards & pens
controlling or simulating physical systems;
I can draw a flowchart using the correct
solve problems by decomposing them into No computer is required for this lesson.
symbols.
smaller parts.
I can connect symbols in a sequence.
Use sequence, selection, and repetition in
programs; work with variables and various
forms of input and output.
Children are introduced to flowcharts and
practise reading them as a sequence of Key/New Words: Preparation:
instructions, they then design their own. Flowol, flowchart, algorithm, control, Brushing Teeth, Running a Bath, Snakes
output, mimic, simulation, insert, symbol, and Ladders and Crossing the Road
I can draw and interpret a flowchart with start, stop, delay, process, decision. Activity Sheets - as required
the correct symbols.
It will be helpful if children have an understanding of sequencing instructions, such as using Turtle Logo or other
Prior Learning: programmable devices.
Learning Sequence
What is a Flowchart? Ask the children if anyone can describe what is meant by a flowchart and what
is it for. Children could describe or draw their responses. Explain that a flowchart is a way of visually
displaying a set of instructions (or an algorithm) for any particular task and decomposing a problem into
smaller parts. They have many uses but are one way of showing the sequence of instructions for an
automatic computer system.
Example Flowchart: Show an example flowchart for making a cup of tea and talk through each stages
together, following the ‘flow’ of the arrows. Pay particular attention to the ‘loop’ when waiting for the
kettle to boil and the two possible options from the ‘decision’ symbol.
Flowcharts in Computing: Can children make the link between flowcharts and computing? A flowchart
can represent the algorithm (or set of instructions) for a computer or a computer controlled system. This
could be anything from a set of traffic lights, a central heating system on a timer or an electric kettle.
Flowchart Symbols: Show each of the conventionally used symbols and establish what the difference is
between each one; name the shapes for each one. Use key vocabulary for types of flowchart symbols:
‘process’ and ‘decision’.
Creating a Flowchart: Can children design and draw their own flowchart for a given process?
Children re-order the Children arrange Children plan the
task on the Brushing the instructions on instructions and
Teeth Activity Sheet. the Running a Bath arrange them into
They then arrange the Activity Sheet into a a blank flowchart
instructions on the blank flowchart. They using the Snakes and
Running a Bath Activity then plan their own Ladders Activity Sheet.
Sheet into a blank instructions using the They then design their
flowchart. Snakes and Ladders own flowchart using
Activity Sheet. the Crossing the Road
Activity Sheet.
Match the Symbols: Match the symbols to the correct shape name and description.
Taskit
Pickit: Pick a new task or process and design your own flowchart for a sequence of instructions. Ask a friend or family
member to try following them.
Computing | Year 5 | Controlling Devices: Flowol | What is a Flowchart? | Lesson 1
