LESSON PLAN 43: Introduction to Programming Terminology and Concepts

LESSON PLAN 43: Introduction to Programming Terminology and Concepts

Lesson Details

Strand: 3.0 Software Development
Sub Strand: 3.1 Computer Programming Concepts
Duration: 40 minutes (Single lesson)
Lesson: 1 of 5
Class Level: Grade 10

Key Inquiry Question (Lesson Starter)

Why are programming languages important in computing?

Specific Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

a) explain the terminologies used in computer programming,

b) understand the basic concepts of programming,

c) appreciate the role of programming in software development.

Selected Learning Experiences

Introduction (7 minutes)

• Pose the key inquiry question to stimulate thinking
• Ask learners: “What do you think makes computers do what we want?”
• Brief discussion on software vs. hardware
• Show scenario:
  1. Computer without software (just hardware – can’t do anything useful)
  2. Computer with software (calculator, game, web browser running)
• Ask: “How does software get created?”
• Present analogy: “Programming is like writing recipes”
  1. Recipe tells chef what to do step-by-step
  2. Program tells computer what to do step-by-step
  3. Both must be precise and in correct order
• Show simple example: “Make a sandwich” instructions
  1. Get two slices of bread
  2. Get peanut butter
  3. Spread peanut butter on one slice
  4. Put slices together
• Compare to simple program instructions
• Introduce lesson focus: Understanding programming language

Development Activities (28 minutes)

Activity 1: Core Programming Terminology (15 minutes)

• Brainstorm the terminologies used in programming languages

Essential Programming Terms:

1. PROGRAMMING:

Definition: